Ryan Suter

Wild's Suter: 'The reason I came here is because I want to win'

Published Sep. 8, 2015 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter wants to do more to justify his massive 13-year, $98 million contract - well, in his own mind.

"I want to help the team; I want to win. The reason I came here is because I want to win," Suter told Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press. "(Minnesota owner) Craig Leipold put a lot of faith in me, and I don't want to let him down. Every pro contract I've signed was under Mr. Leipold (previously in Nashville). He has given me everything I have. And I don't want to let him down.

"That's how I live my life - there's outside pressure, but that is nothing to the pressure I put on myself to win and to be good."

Suter has been more than just good, fueling the Wild to the playoffs in three consecutive years. The 29-year-old, who is scheduled to earn $9 million this season, has led the league in total ice time during all three of his campaigns with Minnesota.

While his contract is large, Suter doesn't embrace an extravagant lifestyle. Although he bought a Cadillac Escolade with his new deal, Suter doesn't feel comfortable driving in the flashy vehicle.

"I said to (wife) Becky, 'I can't pull up to places in this car.' And she laughs and goes, 'That's what people think you should drive,'" Suter said. "I was like, "Yeah, OK, but that's not who I am." And now I park it in the back because I don't want people to see me."

(h/t Pioneer Press)

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Ryan Suter

Minnesota Wild

National Hockey League