Veteran Defenseman Suter Lands One-Year Deal with Blues

The St. Louis Blues bolstered their defensive depth on Wednesday by signing veteran Ryan Suter to a one-year contract.The deal carries a base salary of $775,000 with the potential to earn up to an additional $2.225 million in performance bonuses.

Suter on the Rebound After Buyout

Suter, 39, is coming off a season with the Dallas Stars that saw him record 17 points (2 goals, 15 assists) in 82 games.However, his average ice time dipped to 18:56 per game, the lowest since his rookie season. The Stars bought out the final year of his contract in June.

A Wealth of Experience

Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2003 (7th overall), Suter boasts an impressive resume. He has amassed 681 points (105 goals, 576 assists) across 1,444 regular-season games with the Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Stars. He’s also a seasoned playoff performer with 44 points (7 goals, 37 assists) in 133 playoff contests.

A Unique Statistical Feat

An interesting fact: Suter holds the record for most regular-season games played by an active player who has never hoisted the Stanley Cup. Perhaps the Blues can change that for him this upcoming season.