Ryan Suter: Coveted Free Agent Will Benefit from Not Rushing His Decision

Free agent Ryan Suter is taking his time before he commits to another contract, and his patience will benefit him in the long run. 

The coveted blueliner received an offer from the Detroit Red Wings worth $80 million over 13 years, as Helene St. James, a beat reporter for the Detroit Free Press, reported via Twitter.

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#RedWings initial offer to Ryan Suter was $80 M, 13 years, now up to $90 M. Team wants to keep cap # reasonable - preferably under $7 M

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 3, 2012"

This likely won’t be the only offer Suter receives. While Detroit is considered the favorite, the Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators are all in the running, as noted by Adam Gretz of CBSSports.com.

Suter is not jumping at the Wings’ monster deal and he is smart to show patience. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reported via Twitter that Neil Sheehy, Suter’s agent, is saying no decision will be made this week. 

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Neil Sheehy says Suter most likely waiting until Monday to make a decision

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 2, 2012"

Suter is a 27-year-old who made the All-Star game for the first time in his career this past season and racked up 39 assists for the Predators. This put him in a tie for the sixth most set-ups among all NHL defensemen.

He is extremely talented and productive, which is why he is the most sought after free agent at his position. 

The longer he waits, the more impatient the interested team will become. He has nothing to lose at this point, as the Red Wings already put a monster offer on the table.

CBSSports.com has Suter as the second-best free agent available behind Zach Parise, so virtually every team with cap space will want to sign him. As ESPN’s Cross Checks Blog notes, “He’s going to be a rich man no matter where he goes. Fit and lifestyle for his family also will be key.”

Suter has a lot to consider and any decision he makes will influence his life for over a decade. There is no reason he should come to a conclusion with haste.

The longer he waits, the better chance he has of getting an offer from a team looking to outbid the Red Wings. In addition, waiting will allow him to give this decision the diligence it deserves.