Predators tie up another young defenseman

[June 17, 2008]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Nashville Predators signed defenseman Ryan Suter to a four-year, $14 million contract on Monday.

Suter is the latest to benefit from the Predators' desire to keep as many of their young, talented players off the free agent market as possible. General manager David Poile said the pressure now is for Suter, the team's first-round pick in the 2003 NHL draft, to live up to his new contract.

Suter set career highs for assists (24), points (31) and penalty minutes (71) this past season. He led all of Nashville's defensemen with seven goals and was second in points.

[Associated Press; By TERESA M. WALKER]

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