Dallas Stars to Buy Out Ryan Suter’s Contract, Making Him a Free Agent
The Dallas Stars have made the decision to buy out the final year of veteran defenseman Ryan Suter’s contract, according to a league source. The news was first reported by Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek and later confirmed by The Athletic. Suter’s agent, Neil Sheehy, was informed of the decision by Stars general manager Jim Nill on Wednesday night.
Suter, who has a no-move clause in his contract, will not have to go through unconditional waivers as a result of this buyout. He has also expressed his preference not to be placed on waivers. Instead, he will become an unrestricted free agent when free agency opens on Monday. Despite being 39 years old, Suter is determined to continue playing, and there is expected to be significant interest in his services.
Interestingly, Suter will join an exclusive club as the second player in NHL history to have a contract bought out twice. The first player to achieve this dubious distinction was Tony DeAngelo. In July 2021, the Minnesota Wild bought out the remaining four years of Suter’s and Zach Parise’s contracts. Just fifteen days later, Suter signed a four-year, $14.6 million deal with the Stars. On the other hand, Parise has been signing one-year deals for the past two seasons and is now planning to retire.
Last season, Suter recorded two goals and 17 points in 82 games. Throughout his tenure with the Stars, he scored a total of 12 goals and 74 points in 246 games. Notably, the Stars reached the Western Conference final in each of the past two seasons.
Buying out Suter’s contract signifies that the Stars are making strategic moves to reshape their roster and create salary cap flexibility. This decision allows them to reallocate resources and pursue other players in free agency. While Suter’s age may raise concerns for some teams, his experience and on-ice performance have proven valuable in recent years.
As a seasoned defenseman, Suter brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to any team he joins. His ability to contribute offensively, as evidenced by his point production, adds another dimension to his game. Furthermore, his performance in the playoffs, particularly in helping the Stars reach the Western Conference final, demonstrates his ability to thrive under pressure.
With the upcoming free agency period, NHL teams will undoubtedly be evaluating their options and looking for players who can make an immediate impact on their rosters. Suter’s availability presents an intriguing opportunity for teams in need of a reliable and experienced defenseman. His skill set and track record make him an attractive asset for many organizations.
In conclusion, the Dallas Stars’ decision to buy out Ryan Suter’s contract opens up new possibilities for both the team and the veteran defenseman. Suter’s impending free agency will undoubtedly draw interest from multiple teams looking to bolster their blue line. As the NHL offseason continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see where Suter ends up and how he contributes to his new team’s success.