Ryan Suter Rumors: Why the Detroit Red Wings Will Sign the Free-Agent Defenseman

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The NHL free-agent frenzy began on July 1, but the Detroit Red Wings are still waiting for word on whether or not Ryan Suter will sign with them.

The Red Wings have been considered one of the favourites to land Suter for some time. Suter, who has spent his entire career with the Nashville Predators, is one of the premier players available this summer, along with Zach Parise.

Here are the reasons why Ryan Suter is likely to sign a contract with the Detroit Red Wings in the coming days, hours or even minutes. 

Money

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Suter, like most young free agents, is looking to cash in on a lengthy contract, and the Red Wings have the cap space to offer him just that.

On Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reported that Ken Holland met with Suter and offered him a 13-year, $90 million contract, an increase from the $80 million offer made on Sunday.

That would average out to $6.9 million per year, almost double what he made in Nashville each of the last four seasons. 

Other teams may be hesitant to match such a substantial long-term deal. 

Winning Tradition

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The Detroit Red Wings have something that very few other teams can offer: a winning tradition. The Red Wings were arguably the best team in the NHL over the past 20 years, making six final appearances and winning four Stanley Cups.

Under GM Ken Holland, the Red Wings have been able to maintain success, despite the departure of players like Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Sergei Fedorov, Larry Murphy, Igor Larionov and many others.

Holland was able to add some depth this offseason, signing Jonas Gustavsson, Jordin Tootoo and Mikael Samuelsson to contracts that fit the team's budget.

The Red Wings' roster is littered with talented players, many of whom are just entering their prime. If Suter wants a chance to win a Stanley Cup, his best bet is to sign with the Red Wings or the Penguins.

Departure of a Legend

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Nicklas Lidstrom’s retirement was met with disappointment from Red Wings fans all around the world. However, the departure of one of the best blueliners of all time could pave the way for Ryan Suter to join the Red Wings.

With Lidstrom gone, Suter is guaranteed to play big minutes, including substantial time on the power play. Don’t forget, the Red Wings also lost Brad Stuart this offseason, after he signed with the San Jose Sharks.

Suter could be the leader of the Red Wings defense, an opportunity he hasn’t had in Nashville. With that being said, Suter would still have the support of strong blueliners, including Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson. 

Close to Home

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Suter was born in Madison, Wis., no more than an eight-hour drive from Detroit, Mich. Suter still lives in Madison in the offseason, which is where Ken Holland met with the defenseman Tuesday to discuss a possible contract.

Suter has spent time in the Detroit area, having been a member of the U.S. National Development Program prior to being drafted by the Predators. The program is based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Playing for the Red Wings would give Suter the opportunity to flourish as one of the best American defenseman in the world, while playing on the most decorated American hockey team in NHL history.