5 Teams Offer Contracts to Ryan Suter

Veteran defenseman Ryan Suter has hit the open market and it turns out there were some teams waiting patiently for their chance to sign him. Suter has drawn interest from the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, St Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers.

The decision is expected on Monday, two days before the free agency period begins. The 36-year-old was recently bought out by the Minnesota Wild with four years remaining on his contract. At this point it appears the Boston Bruins are the favorite to make it official.

Last season Suter recorded three goals and 16 assists in 56 games, averaging 22:11 of ice-time a night. He's likely better suited for less ice-time which could actually increase his production. His underlying stats last season were off the charts, the veteran can still get it done.

The teams with interest have all lost a defenseman recently so it makes sense they are trying to fill their gap with one of the game's best defenseman from the past decade. Now we all wait until the announcement on Monday as Suter will put an end to this mystery.

Photo credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports