(USA Today Sports/Adam Hunger)
Coming into the 2023-24 season, Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter needs to silence critics in Big D.
After being bought out of his contract by the Minnesota Wild on July 13, 2021, the Stars signed Ryan Suter on a four-year, $14.6 million contract on July 28, 2021.
In his first season with Dallas, Suter recorded 7 goals, 25 assists and +1 rating. He had the second highest TOI on the Stars at with 23:39.
In his second season, criticism got bigger for Suter in Dallas. Suter had less numbers in his second season in Dallas than his first year.
He had 25 points in 2022-23 which was seven less points than he recorded in 2021-22. He had 13 powerplay points in 2021-22 to 4 powerplay points in 2022-23.
Suter had 118 shots on goal in 2021-22 to 92 shots on goal in 2022-23. Suter for the second straight season did have the second highest ice time, but Suter’s average ice time dropped from 23:39 in 2021-22 to 20:22 in 2022-23.
Suter wouldn’t score his first goal of the 2022-23 season until Jan. 16, 2023, against the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the 45th game of Dallas’ season.
Despite numbers dropping in some categories for Suter, he hasn’t missed a game in the two years he played with Dallas.
Suter gained confidence with Dallas defeating his old team the Wild in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs as he was booed and mocked by the Wild fans.
However, two rounds later, the criticism came back surrounding Suter.
(The Dallas Morning News/ Tom Fox)
Suter was criticized on two plays during the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Golden Knights.
In game 2, Suter had a turnover in the Dallas zone which resulted in Vegas tying game 2 with 2:22 left in regulation. Vegas would go on and win game 2 in overtime.
After the game, Suter was asked about his mistake. “Did you watch it,” Suter said.
In game 4, Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault scored a goal in front of the Dallas net and scored to make it 2-1 Vegas in the second period with Suter defending him.
After the goal, Stars broadcaster Daryl “Razor” Reaugh had criticism on Suter. “Some bad things are happening when Ryan Suter is on the ice,” Reaugh said.
Suter was talked about being bought out by Dallas after the season, but it never happened.
Stars general manager Jim Nill talked about why he didn’t buy out Suter and if he was a top-six defenseman.
“I think he’s been fine,” Nill said. “At his cap hit, I think he’s a fine player. I’ve got no problems. And I’m baffled by you guys’ comments. Actually, disappointed.”
In the 2023 Playoffs, Suter finished with 6 assists and a -6 rating. He scored zero goals. He finished with the second highest average TOI with 23:21.
Ryan Suter’s salary is $3.65 million which is higher than Joe Pavelski at $3.5 million for the 2023-24 season.
Suter will be turning 39 on January 21 and will enter his 19th NHL season in 2023-24. He is the second oldest player on the Stars roster behind Pavelski and has two years left on his contract.
Suter will need to play in 38 games to reach 1,400 games played in the NHL. Currently, he sits at 51 all-time in NHL games played.
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