Canucks' Boudreau doesn't expect Sutter to play this season

Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Sutter hasn't played a game this season, and it doesn't seem like he'll be doing so any time soon.

Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau said he doesn't anticipate Sutter being able to return in 2021-22, according to team beat reporter Jeff Paterson.

The 32-year-old has been dealing with the effects of long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 issues derailed the Canucks' shortened 2020-21 campaign, forcing them to postpone several of their games amid a slew of positive tests. Sutter was one of the players who tested positive during the outbreak.

Then-general manager Jim Benning said in October that Sutter would "be out for a while."

Sutter has played for the Canucks since the 2015-16 season. He re-upped with Vancouver this past offseason, inking a one-year, $1.125-million pact.

Originally drafted 11th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007, Sutter has 54 goals and 50 assists in 275 career games with the Canucks.