Suter leads group of young defensemen

When the Predators drafted Ryan Suter seventh overall in 2003 there was talk his uncle Gary might like to play with him, if the opportunity presented himself. More than 14 months later, when Nashville signed the next-generation Suter, those thoughts had vanished. “When (Gary Suter) retired he was still capable of playing,” said assistant GM Ray Shero. “He was a good player. I think where we are in terms of the organization, we have some good young defensemen…I think we’re a year removed from that.” Ryan Suter is considered to be among the best of the Predators’ group of young blueliners. He is estimated to be perhaps even less than a full season from NHL-readiness. Team officials were thrilled to get his deal done prior the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, well…

OFFICIAL SALARIES

First-year NHL refs make $101,000; 17-year vets (and up) max out at $232,800. Linesmen, meanwhile, range from $70,019 to $156,907.…

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NOTEBOOK

Huntsville coach John Gibson didn’t have to twist center James Patterson’s arm to sign a contract. The South East League’s player of the year and leading scorer (45 goals, 120 points) last season prefers to play in the Rocket City. “This is home for me and where I wanted to play,” said Patterson to the Huntsville Times. ’This is a great place to play and the city has a winning tradition.” Indeed. The Channel Cats won the SEHL title last season. Gibson realizes how fortunate he is to have Patterson. “Most of the teams will have local players,” he said. “We just happen to have one of, if not the best, player in the league who happens to call Huntsville home. We are fortunate that James has chosen to stay…