Ryan Suter (20) set career highs in every major offensive category last season. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Defenceman Ryan Suter reached contract terms Monday with the Nashville Predators.

Suter, a restricted free agent, signed a four-year, $14-million US deal.

"I wanted to be here from the start, so it was easy in that regard," he said. "It is nice.

"The money, obviously, is nice. But Nashville is a great place and we have got a great young team and I really want to be here."

"Ryan has established himself as an integral part of our team and one of our core players moving forward," Predators general manager David Poile claimed. "He has shown the ability to play in all key situations, including both special teams units."

Suter, 24, posted seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points with a plus-3 rating in 76 games last season, his third in the NHL.

Drafted seventh overall by Nashville in 2003, he has compiled 16 goals and 71 points assists in 229 games with the Predators.

"Usually, when you have the best defence, that gives you a real good chance to compete for the prize and that is, ultimately, what we want to do. That is why we're here today and that is why we have taken another step in signing one of our core players in Ryan Suter."

Suter, the nephew of former NHLer Gary Suter, has represented the United States at three world championships, and played on the only U.S. squad to win a gold medal at the junior worlds (2004).

With files from the Associated Press