Ryan Suter: The Defensive Backbone of the St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have been a force to be reckoned with in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several years, and one of the key players responsible for their success is defenseman Ryan Suter. With a career spanning over 15 years, Suter has established himself as one of the top defensemen in the league, known for his exceptional skating ability, puck-moving skills, and shut-down defensive play.

Suter's impressive career began when he was drafted by the Nashville Predators with the 7th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly became a staple on the Predators' blue line, playing 542 games and recording 238 points over seven seasons. In 2012, Suter signed with the Minnesota Wild, where he spent nine seasons and continued to establish himself as one of the league's top defensemen.

Joining the St. Louis Blues

In 2021, Suter signed a four-year, $14.75 million contract with the St. Louis Blues, bringing his skills and experience to the team. The move was seen as a significant boost to the Blues' defense, and Suter has not disappointed. He has quickly become a key player on the team, averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game and contributing to the team's success with his strong defensive play and ability to move the puck up the ice.

Suter's impact on the Blues' defense cannot be overstated. He has formed a strong partnership with fellow defenseman Colton Parayko, and the two have become one of the top defensive pairings in the league. Suter's ability to read the game and make smart decisions has been a major factor in the Blues' success, and his leadership on and off the ice has been invaluable to the team.

ESPN Analysis

According to ESPN, Suter is one of the top defensemen in the league, ranking in the top 10 in several key categories, including ice time, shots blocked, and takeaways. His advanced statistics are equally impressive, with a Corsi For percentage of over 52% and a Relative Corsi of over 4%. These numbers demonstrate Suter's ability to drive possession and create scoring opportunities for his team.

ESPN analysts have praised Suter's play, noting his exceptional skating ability and his ability to make smart decisions in all three zones. They have also highlighted his importance to the Blues' defense, noting that he is often matched up against the opposing team's top players and is able to shut them down with his strong defensive play.

Ryan Suter is a key player on the St. Louis Blues, and his defensive skills and experience have been a major factor in the team's success. With his ability to skate, pass, and shut down opposing players, Suter is a valuable asset to the Blues and a major reason why they are a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. As the Blues continue to push for a Stanley Cup championship, Suter will be a key player in their quest for success.

For more information on Ryan Suter and the St. Louis Blues, visit ESPN for the latest news, analysis, and statistics. With his impressive career and continued success, Suter is a player to watch in the NHL, and his contributions to the Blues will be crucial to their success in the years to come.