One of the Blackhawks Central Division rivals could have a significant departure from their roster this summer as Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter will test free agency when the signing period opens July 1 according to general manager David Poile.
"Unless something changes in the near future, he's going to take a peek at July 1," Poile said during a media conference call Friday, according to the Tennessean. "We're going to be in consistent contact with him, and I'm certainly hoping, as he said to me a week ago, that he's not going to make a sudden decision ... and we're going to have some conversations after he has talked to these different teams."'
Suter, 27, scored seven goals with 39 assists and finished plus-15 last season for the Predators. He also blocked 116 shots. In his seven seasons, Suter is a plus-43 and finished in the negatives only once.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
This could be good news for the Hawks, as Suter's exit would weaken Nashville and separate one of the NHL's best defensive pairings -- he's been alongside Shea Weber for several seasons. However, the Detroit Red Wings have long been rumored to be the destination for Suter as they look to replace the recently-retired Nicklas Lidstrom.