Nobody expects a player to play for the duration of his 10+ year contract. You sign that deal to lock him in during his prime for a lower cap hit, and when he starts to decline, you trade him to a team that needs help reaching the floor. That new team won't have to pay much in terms of salary because the contracts are front-loaded.
I don't know why Suter went to the Wild, though. If the Sharks, Red Wings and Preds all offered similar deals (and they reportedly did), those are all more attractive places than Minnesota. I guess he's really good friends with Parise!
Also, the Avs are still the 2nd best team in the NW division, Suter/Parise be damned. The Wild will be more formidable in a year or two, but they're still a team that bleeds possession with a top-heavy roster.
also also, sucks to be a flames fan
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ICON:
When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set Bidoof on fire.