Pius Suter just scored his 20th goal of the season, and that will significantly increase his worth when it comes time to sign him, which could create problems. Vancouver Canucks forward Pius Suter has been the <a href='https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/pius-suter-s-two-way-play-and-versatility-provides-depth-to-canucks-lineup' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>epitome of consistency throughout his professional playing career</a> in the NHL. He had 14 or 15 goals in his first four seasons coming into this season. With 20 goals and 14 games remaining now, he's bursting out at the absolute right time, as an upcoming unrestricted free agent. He's the top candidate for a rich raise as soon as he becomes a free agent on July 1 based on goal-scoring, versatility, and defensive stability. He scored his 20th, I told him after the game, 'cha-ching,' said Rick Tocchet last night. That's a cha-ching goal. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/noahstrang_/status/1902222228965712250'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Though he has played well, his contract negotiations are stuck between him and the Canucks. The team also considered trading him at the trade deadline but held on to him, and that has now been a wise choice for them. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/canucks/player/pius-suter-8480459' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Suter</a> has excelled as an upper-six winger and middle-six center, scoring in big games, including a playoff series-winner against Nashville. <h3>Suter has helped the Canucks sit 3rd in PK ranking</h3> At 28, he's also the Canucks' penalty-killing minutes leader, as the team has the third-best PK in the league. His defensive responsibility and willingness to take on tough opposing players make him indispensable. He's a really smart guy, added Tocchet. I've given him some tough assignments this year he's just a smart guy. Everyone says, 'Well you know his foot speed,' but he looks like he's fast out there to me because he's got a good brain. Can score 20 goals, shut down the other team's best line, that's great for us. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1902201720383664427'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <a href='https://afpanalytics.com/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>AFP Analytics</a> predicts Suter's next deal to be four years at a cap hit of $3.927 million annually, almost double his present $1.6 million deal. As of now, <a href='https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/how-canucks-re-sign-suter' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>that amount appears to be too steep for Vancouver</a>, but his continued performance might just convince them otherwise.