Vancouver Canucks: What to Expect from Brandon Sutter

Sep 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Sutter (21) against the Arizona Coyotes in the third period period at Rogers Arena. Vancouver won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Sutter was acquired to become the new second-line center in 2015, before missing all but 20 games in the 2015-16 campaign.

The Vancouver Canucks‘ acquisition of Brandon Sutter in the summer of 2015 raised some eyebrows.

Vancouver acquired the center, along with a third-round pick at the 2016 NHL Draft, from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Nick Bonino, defenseman Adam Clendening, and a second-round pick in 2016.

So, the Canucks gave up Bonino, who seemed to be better offensively, to get a better two-way center who might not score as much, and even added a defenseman and a draft pick.

While Canucks fans were still trying to figure out how the trade made sense, general manager Jim Benning showed everyone how much trust he had in Sutter. Shortly after the trade was completed, Sutter was signed to a five-year contract extension including a no-trade clause.

Of course everyone was eventually excited to see what made Benning believe Sutter was the guy. Unfortunately, we have yet to find out.

Want your voice heard? Join the The Canuck Way team!

At the start of the 2015-16 season, Sutter played just 16 games before requiring sports hernia surgery. When he returned, it took only four games until Sutter was out again; this time with a broken jaw. Sutter missed the rest of the season and had to watch his team collapse.

So what can we expect for 2016-17?

Oct 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks center Brandon Sutter (21) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Stats

Unless something terrible happens, Sutter should return to the team and take on the role he was acquired for.

Bo Horvat got stronger and stronger throughout the 2015-16 season, but he struggled mightily with his tough defensive assignments. Fans are hoping Horvat can one day become a (more likeable) Ryan Kesler-type player. A role like the one Kesler once played in Vancouver — a strong two-way player with offensive firepower — is one young players need to grow into. So, Horvat should certainly profit from having Sutter back in the lineup.

But is Sutter even better than Horvat?

Judging by his stats, he isn’t. The answer is that simple.

While Sutter’s shot suppression is indeed slightly better than Horvat’s, Horvat seems to be a better possession player overall. Meanwhile, Horvat has better individual production rates as well.

In fact, Sutter hardly even seems to qualify as a third-line center.

Sep 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Sutter (21) battles with Arizona Coyotes defenceman Zbynek Michalek (4) in the third period period at Rogers Arena. Vancouver won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The Context

What many people like to ignore is the context in which the stats are recorded.

When a player gets little ice time, plays with bottom-line players and gets below-average stats, that doesn’t necessarily mean he deserves to be there. Instead, not getting the right opportunity can lead to bad stats.

Sutter started his career with the Carolina Hurricanes. His best season was the 2009-10 campaign, when he recorded 21 goals and 40 points in 72 games. At the time, he was the Canes’ No. 2 center behind Eric Staal. The following years weren’t quite as successful, and but Sutter was only 23 and had time to develop, when Carolina dealt him to Pittsburgh for Jordan Staal.

In Pittsburgh, Sutter was stuck behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin, two of the world’s best centers. Going into the prime of his career, he never got the chance to become a second-line player anymore.

Now in Vancouver, it was finally time, but things didn’t work out due to injury. Sutter is still just 27 years old and feels ready to take on a big role with the club.

Next: Future Expectations

Oct 30, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Brandon Sutter (21) skates with the puck during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Future Expectations

For the first time in a long time, Sutter could get a chance to be a full-time second-line player. A middle six made up of Sutter and Horvat at center and Sven Baertschi, Jannik Hansen, Anton Rodin and Jake Virtanen or Emerson Etem could be a solid two-way group with offensive potential.

If not, well, the Canucks might have made a bad deal. At least Sutter is a veteran leader for what it’s worth.

Chances are, though, that neither Sutter nor Bonino will ever be more than third-line players. Bonino recorded 18 points in 24 playoff games last season, as the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. But that can’t be expected from him every year.

With the Vancouver Canucks’ current roster make-up, we could see two middle-six lines getting about the same amount of ice time and similar usage. Baertschi and Rodin are comparable players, Hansen and Virtanen are, and the same goes for Sutter and Horvat.

So as long as those six do a decent job in whichever roles they get to fill, we can be happy. We just shouldn’t expect Sutter to be the next Kesler — though that doesn’t mean Sutter can’t outplay Horvat for the second-line job.