Nashville Predators Should Consider Reuniting with Ryan Suter to Wrap Up NHL Free Agency
It makes financial and strategic sense. 
With plenty of cap space remaining and free agency winding down, the Nashville Predators have an opportunity to make one last impactful move—and Ryan Suter remains one of the top available free agents.
Of all the players still on the market, one name stands out that could make a lot of sense for the Predators: Ryan Suter. The veteran defenseman is a natural fit for a final season in Nashville, providing the team with the experience and stability it needs on the blue line.
The Predators still need an experienced defenseman to anchor their back end, and Suter is the perfect candidate. He is a former Predators star and has the qualities the team is seeking—high-level defensive play and leadership. If GM Barry Trotz hasn’t already reached out to Suter, it’s not too late for a reunion.
After spending last season with the St. Louis Blues, Suter is still eager to continue his career, provided he finds the right situation. A reunion with the Predators could be just that.
You might question the idea of bringing in a 40-year-old to play a physically demanding position, especially when Suter will be 41 for part of the season. But Suter isn’t your typical aging player—he’s had a long, successful career, and despite his age, he continues to defy expectations.
During his seven seasons in Nashville, Suter was a consistent force. He played 542 games, tallied 238 points, and became a model of reliability on defense. His solid positioning, great skating, and relentless work ethic helped him land a lucrative 13-year, $98 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. After that, he spent four productive seasons in Dallas and wrapped up his career year in St. Louis.
Even at 40, Suter played 19.5 minutes per game, was regularly used in defensive-zone situations (starting 64% of his shifts there), and still managed to contribute offensively with 15 points in 82 games. His ability to play an entire season without missing a game at his age speaks volumes about his conditioning and durability.
The Predators have a young defensive corps, with more offensive-minded veterans. Adding Suter would provide a stabilizing presence for the younger players, and he could form a strong pairing with defensemen like Brady Skjei or up-and-comers like Tanner Molendyk or Adam Wilsby.
There’s also a sentimental element to bringing Suter back—he was one of the franchise’s first true stars, and it would be special for fans to see him finish his career in Nashville. On top of that, his experience and leadership would be invaluable for the team’s younger defensemen. If the Predators are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline, they could easily move him to a contender in need of veteran depth.
Suter is also just 38 games away from moving into 6th all-time for games played by an NHL defenseman, and only four points from reaching 700 career points—an achievement that would move him ahead of Chris Pronger. It would be a fitting end to a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
The only potential downside would be taking away a roster spot from a young prospect like Molendyk or Ryan Ufko. However, with both players still able to develop in the AHL and possibly learn from Suter himself, the move would likely be worth it.
In the end, bringing back one of the franchise’s all-time greats and letting him finish his career with the team he helped build would be a great way to end free agency. When the opportunity arises to give a player of Suter’s caliber one last chance to play in Nashville, the Predators should absolutely make the call.
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