Ryan Suter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ryan Suter
Suter with the Minnesota Wild in 2019
Born	(1985-01-21) January 21, 1985 (age 40) Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Free agent Nashville Predators Minnesota Wild Dallas Stars St. Louis Blues
National team	United States
NHL Draft	7th overall, 2003 Nashville Predators
Playing career	2004–present

Ryan Suter (born January 21, 1985) is an American ice hockey player. He plays as a defenseman. He recently played for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL). Ryan also owns the Madison Capitols, a junior hockey team. He has played for other NHL teams like the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars. Ryan also played for the U.S. national team in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Ryan comes from a family of hockey stars. His dad, Bob Suter, won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 1980. That team famously beat the Soviet Union in the "Miracle on Ice" game. Ryan's uncle, Gary Suter, was also a great player in the NHL.

Growing Up: Ryan Suter's Early Life

Ryan Suter was born on January 21, 1985. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. His parents are Bob and Diane. Ryan grew up in Wisconsin with his younger brother, Garrett. His dad coached hockey at the University of Wisconsin. His mom worked as an ice hockey manager.

Ryan's family was very athletic. His father was part of the United States men's national ice hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. His uncle, Gary Suter, was also a professional hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Ryan Suter's Hockey Journey

Starting Out: Amateur Hockey Career

When he was young, Ryan played for the Madison Capitols. He also played at Culver Military Academy. Later, he joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Ryan then went to play college hockey. He played for the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW). In 2003, the Nashville Predators picked him seventh overall in the NHL Draft. Before playing for the Badgers again, Ryan went to a training camp with the Predators. He was named the top rookie in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Ryan finished his first year on the All-WCHA Rookie Team. He was also on the All-WCHA Third Team.

Playing for the Nashville Predators (2005–2012)

Suter with the Nashville Predators in February 2010.

After college, Ryan played one season for the Milwaukee Admirals. This was in the American Hockey League (AHL). He scored seven goals and had 23 points. The Admirals won 49 games that season.

Ryan then joined the Predators for their training camp. He played his first NHL game on October 6, 2005. He got his first NHL assist in that game. On December 21, he scored his first NHL goal. He was one of the youngest defensemen to score his first goal in NHL history.

In the 2006–07 NHL season, Ryan played much better. He scored eight goals and had 24 points. He played about 20 minutes per game. The Predators made it to the playoffs. Ryan scored his first playoff goal on April 16, 2007.

On June 16, 2008, Ryan signed a new contract. It was for four years and $14 million.

Time with the Minnesota Wild (2012–2021)

Suter with the Wild in February 2013.

On July 4, 2012, Ryan signed a big contract with the Minnesota Wild. It was for 13 years and $98 million. He and another player, Zach Parise, were introduced to the media. They were named alternate captains.

Ryan had a tough start with the Wild. But when he started playing with rookie defenseman Jonas Brodin, he played much better. He was a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. This award goes to the NHL's best defenseman. Ryan played the most minutes per game in the NHL that season. The Wild made the playoffs.

On January 4, 2014, Ryan scored his first NHL hat-trick. This means he scored three goals in one game. His first two goals were on the power play. His third goal came right after a penalty ended. This helped the Wild win 5–3.

In the 2015–16 NHL season, Ryan set a new record for the Wild. He had the most points by a defenseman in one season. He had 43 assists and 51 points. These were personal bests for him. He was always counted on to play many minutes for the Wild. He played on the power play and when the team was short a player.

On October 19, 2018, Ryan reached 500 NHL points. He was the 11th American-born defenseman to do this. On October 25, he played in his 1,000th NHL game. He was the 109th defenseman to reach this milestone.

On July 13, 2021, the Wild ended Ryan's contract early.

Playing for the Dallas Stars (2021–2024)

On July 28, 2021, Ryan signed a four-year contract with the Dallas Stars. It was worth $14.6 million.

After the 2023 season, the Stars also ended Ryan's contract early. This was the second time in his career this happened. He became only the second player in NHL history to have his contract bought out twice.

Joining the St. Louis Blues (2024–2025)

On July 10, 2024, Ryan signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. It was for $3 million for the 2024–25 season. He was a key part of the Blues' defense. He mostly played on the third defensive pair.

On February 8, 2025, Ryan played his 1,500th NHL game. He was only the 22nd player to reach this milestone. He was also the third American-born player to do so. He played in every regular season game for the Blues. He scored 2 goals and had 15 points in 82 games.

Ryan Suter's International Hockey Career

Canada's Jonathan Toews guards the puck from Suter during the 2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
Olympic Games
Silver	2010 Vancouver
World Junior Championships
Gold	2004 Helsinki
IIHF World U18 Championships
Gold	2002 Trnava
World U-17 Hockey Challenge
Gold	2002 Manitoba

Ryan Suter has played for the United States in eleven tournaments. He has won three gold medals.

I feel it's an honor to wear the Team USA Jersey and every time I'm on the ice I play my hardest and give everything I have. Playing for Team USA is one of those things you look forward to. When I got the call and was asked to play on this team, it was an easy answer. It didn't matter who was on the team or who the coach was. It's just an honor to wear the jersey and compete for your country."

On January 1, 2010, Ryan was chosen for the U.S. team for the 2010 Winter Olympics. He was one of the team's alternate captains.

In 2016, he also played for the United States at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. His Wild teammate, Zach Parise, was also on that team.

On April 19, 2019, Ryan played for Team USA again. He accepted an invitation to play in the 2019 IIHF World Championship. This tournament was held in Slovakia.

In 2020, Ryan was added to the IIHF All-Time USA Team.

Ryan Suter's Personal Life

Ryan Suter lives in Madison, Wisconsin during the NHL off-season. He is married to Becky Suter (née Palmer). Becky is from Bloomington, Minnesota. Ryan and Becky have four children together.

Career Statistics

International Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2002	United States	U17			7	2	3	5	4
2002	United States	WJC18			8	1	6	7	12
2003	United States	WJC	4th		7	2	1	3	2
2003	United States	WJC18	4th		6	1	3	4	22
2004	United States	WJC			6	0	2	2	8
2005	United States	WJC	4th		7	1	7	8	20
2005	United States	WC	6th		1	0	0	0	0
2006	United States	WC	7th		7	1	1	2	10
2007	United States	WC	5th		7	1	2	3	12
2009	United States	WC	4th		9	1	2	3	8
2010	United States	OG			6	0	4	4	2
2014	United States	OG	4th		6	0	3	3	4
2016	United States	WCH	7th		3	0	1	1	0
2019	United States	WC	7th		8	0	5	5	4
Junior totals					41	7	22	29	68
Senior totals					47	3	18	21	40

Awards and Honors

See Also

• Notable families in the NHL