Veteran defenseman Ryan Suter has found a new home with the St. Louis Blues after finalizing a one-year deal with the team. The announcement was made by the Blues on Wednesday, revealing that Suter, who was previously an unrestricted free agent, will be earning a base salary of $775,000. In addition to this, he has the opportunity to make up to an extra $2.225 million through performance bonuses.
This move comes after Suter’s contract with the Dallas Stars was bought out in late June, following the team’s elimination in the Western Conference finals. This was the second time in his career that Suter had experienced a buyout, having previously gone through a similar situation with the Minnesota Wild.
In the 2021 season, Suter had signed a three-year contract with the Stars worth $14.6 million, with an average annual value of $3.65 million. However, with the defenseman approaching his 40s, a pay cut was expected. Despite this, Suter still managed to contribute to the Stars’ success last season, tallying two goals and 17 points while averaging 18:56 of ice time per game. During the postseason, he added another goal and four points to his name as the Stars advanced through three rounds.
Suter’s experience and leadership will be valuable additions to the St. Louis Blues, who are looking to strengthen their defensive lineup for the upcoming season. The one-year deal provides both Suter and the Blues with an opportunity to assess their partnership and determine the potential for a longer-term commitment in the future.
With his impressive track record and dedication to the game, Suter is expected to make a significant impact on the Blues’ performance on the ice. His defensive skills and strategic playmaking abilities will undoubtedly be assets to the team as they strive for success in the competitive NHL landscape.
As Suter embarks on this new chapter of his career with the St. Louis Blues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new environment and contributes to the team’s overall success. The one-year deal marks the beginning of what could be a fruitful partnership between Suter and the Blues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in the NHL.