Ryan Suter
The Edmonton Oilers may be looking to bolster their defense with experienced and reliable players. One such candidate is Ryan Suter, currently with the St. Louis Blues. Here are several reasons why acquiring Suter could be a strategic move for the Oilers.
Defensive Stability and Experience
Ryan Suter, a seasoned NHL defenseman, has long been considered a workhorse on the blue line. Known for his excellent skating, passing, and defensive acumen, Suter could provide the Oilers with the stability and experience they need, especially as they push for a deep playoff run. Over his extensive career, Suter has amassed 681 points (105 goals, 576 assists) in 1,444 NHL games, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Suter's career statistics highlight his durability and consistency. He has been a key player in various teams' defensive cores, including the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and now the St. Louis Blues. His ability to log heavy minutes (averaging over 24 minutes per game throughout his career) would be invaluable for the Oilers, particularly in high-stakes playoff situations.
Cap Considerations
One of the most attractive aspects of acquiring Suter is his cap hit. Currently carrying a cap hit of $750,000, Suter is a highly affordable option for the Oilers, who are close to the top of the salary cap. His low cap hit makes him an attractive target, allowing the Oilers to strengthen their defense without significant financial strain.
Strategic Fit
Suter’s style of play aligns well with the Oilers' needs. His ability to move the puck efficiently, coupled with his defensive reliability, would complement the Oilers’ existing defensive lineup. Suter’s experience and leadership qualities would also be beneficial in the locker room, providing guidance to younger players and fostering a winning mentality.
The Blues’ Situation
Just like both the Capitals and the Blue Jackets, the Blues are looking to rebuild, trading Suter for promising young players and draft picks could help speed that up. This scenario creates a potential win-win situation, where the Oilers acquire a key piece for their playoff push, and the Blues gain valuable assets for the future.
While it is still a very long ways away the Edmonton Oilers do need to keep their eye on what type of move they plan to make at the deadline. If they are going big game hunting they will need to figure out how much cap space they will need to clear up and that planning should be started already.