NHL
Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
By Mike Maniscalco
Published: 2012-06-25 15:32:00
Updated: 2012-06-25 19:50:05
Jun 25, 2012
Brandon Sutter thought he was going to be on a team that was going to the post-season but he didn't think it would be in Pittsburgh.
Carolina dealt Sutter Friday night to Pittsburgh, along with Brian Dumoulin and the eighth overall pick, in exchange for Jordan Staal, and it was a move that caught him off-guard.
Sutter spoke with the media Monday afternoon to answer questions about relocating to Pittsburgh.
"I really didn't see it coming at all, so it was a bit of a shock to the system especially the last couple of days," Sutter said. "But I think now I'm a little bit relaxed and I'm getting kind of excited about it."
Sutter has made his mark in the league as a solid defensive player, his career high in goals (21) and assists (19) came in the 2009-10 season. Adding to those numbers is something that he feels he could have done in Carolina if given more of that responsibility.
"I felt like I was stuck, they always were expecting me to be good defensively which is fine but in terms of offense they never really gave me much, you know there wasn't a whole lot of opportunity," said Sutter. "I think that comes with playing with different guys and maybe different chemistry."
While Sutter has respect around the league for his defensive prowess, he'd like to expand his resume.
"I think for myself I don't want to be looked at as just a defensive player, I want to score goals and do things too," Sutter said. "I think in the past where I've had opportunity to play a little bit of power player here and there and it has helped. I'm obviously very comfortable on the penalty kill and checking and stuff like that and if you can combine the two you can turn yourself into a pretty good player."
Even though Sutter would like to provide more offense, the 23 year old center is sliding right into the role that he has filled with Carolina. He thinks that will make the transition to his new team easier.
"The role I'm going to I'm very comfortable with and it's a role I like to play. I enjoy playing against some of other teams better players and trying to outplay them and that's the challenge. I can remember coming into Pittsburgh and having to play against Crosby or Malkin, which wasn't always a ton of fun, but you try to find ways to do it," said Sutter. "I'm looking forward to being on the other side of that now."
While the shock of the trade might be wearing off, Sutter was appreciative of his time in the Hurricanes organization and the fan base in the Triangle.
"There are lots of good things about Carolina, you know the organization and the fans were great to me," Sutter said. "It definitely came as a surprise this summer, but it's part of the business and I have to move on and it's a new chapter for me. I definitely want to say thanks to the Carolina organization, all the fans, the players and the staff that were unbelievable to me and really helped me out the first couple of the years. I just want to say thanks."
Copyright 2013 620 The Buzz. All rights reserved.
Most Recent Comments
RE: Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
Wow. What a great trade for the Canes. We get a really good player who will make both an immediate and a long term impact to the team. We will see more goals, more wins, and a playoff spot this year. Plus, he happens to be the brother of one of our best players, which brings an additional positive dynamic to the mix. Finally, he is only 23 years old and has won a Stanley cup. It's difficult to see how the trade could have been any better for the Canes.
- Posted by ericevenson
This trade could have been much better.
I agree that we got the best player of the trade, but I wish we could have spent a bit less for him. The cost was quite high. If we could have kept one of those pieces (Dumo, Sutter, or #8 pick) I would have felt better about the trade. If we could of at least gotten Pitt's #22 pick along with it
I would be happier. Even with that said, I am still exstatic about acquiring Jordan. I think we are a better team for it.
RE: Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
I think Sutter has the potential to be a better overall player than either Eric or Jordan Stahl. The Canes used him to hide the overall weakness of their defense, and Sutter is correct that he never had a decent opportunity to shine on offense. I wish him that opportunity and more in with the Pens, and hope the Canes know what they are doing. He will be missed.
- Posted by QC
Sutter is a good player, but that's just delusional to think he will be better than either Eric or Jordan Staal. Eric is a 4-time all-star and is the type of player you build a franchise around, while Jordan Staal is basically Brandon Sutter 2.0. He does everything Sutter does, he just does it all at a higher level. With an increased role with the Canes, more ice time and PP time than he had in Pittsburgh, Jordan will be putting up career numbers no question, I wouldn't be surprised to see him at 65-75 points this coming season. Sutter is a very good player, his defensive acumen is close to that of Jordan Staal's, but he does not have the offensive skills that J. Staal has.
I think you're spot on. Jordan Staal is a better version of Sutter. However, a prospect and 8th overall pick better? Time will tell
RE: Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
Most Carolina fans were pretty shocked when they first heard the news also. Most can agree we didn't want to lose Sutter. But like Brandon said, it's all part of this business. Good luck to Brandon playing with Pittsburgh this coming year. He will be missed a-lot in Carolina. But also good luck to Jordan Staal and the rest of the Carolina Hurricanes players in having a great year coming up. I'm looking forward to it. Can't wait.....Go Canes !!!
RE: Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
Great attitude, he will me missed here.
RE: Sutter shocked by trade, enjoyed time in Carolina
Wow. What a great trade for the Canes. We get a really good player who will make both an immediate and a long term impact to the team. We will see more goals, more wins, and a playoff spot this year. Plus, he happens to be the brother of one of our best players, which brings an additional positive dynamic to the mix. Finally, he is only 23 years old and has won a Stanley cup. It's difficult to see how the trade could have been any better for the Canes.
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