Video: "It's been an emotional roller-coaster"
While signing a 36-year-old defenseman to a four-year contract is a risk, the Stars could be getting Suter at just the right time. The skilled veteran is smart and durable. He doesn't hit much and he doesn't get hit much, one of the reasons he has missed just four games in the past six seasons. He's coming off a contract buyout, which has to provide some motivation, and he's joining a good team that includes longtime friend Joe Pavelski. What's more, the Stars don't need him to be a No. 1 defenseman, as they already have Miro Heiskanen and John Klingberg.
By pairing Suter with one of those two players, Dallas could be putting him in a place where he can use his skill to help connect with a solid partner, while at the same time using his smarts to help provide a defensive safety net. Darryl Sydor did something similar for Sergei Zubov back in the day.
Suter has seen his power-play time reduced in recent years, and that likely will follow here. He could be on the second unit, but he will almost assuredly allow Heiskanen to lead the way if that's what unfolds. In that regard, he likely will not be a big point producer. On the penalty kill, Suter could be the right player at the right time, as the Stars lost Jamie Oleksiak in the offseason and could reduce the shorthanded time on ice for Andrej Sekera, who was second on the team last season at 2:43 per game.
Bottom line, Suter is in a good place right now. He gets a fresh start on a team where he seems to be a good fit. The Stars gave Suter the four-year deal he wanted, and there seems to be real respect on both sides of the signing. That can go a long way in getting the most out of his final seasons.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.
