Ken Sutton, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Born on November 5, 1969, in Edmonton, Alberta, Sutton honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Saskatoon Blades before making the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Sutton's NHL debut came during the 1990-1991 season with the Buffalo Sabres. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable defenseman, known for his steady presence on the blue line. His tenure with the Sabres saw him play in various roles, contributing both defensively and offensively when needed. Sutton's time in Buffalo was marked by his adaptability and ability to support his team in different situations.
In 1995, Sutton was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, bringing him back to his home province of Alberta. His stint with the Oilers was relatively short, as he was soon on the move again, this time to the St. Louis Blues. Sutton's career was characterized by several such transitions, as he became a journeyman defenseman in the league.
The late 1990s saw Sutton don the jerseys of multiple teams, including the New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and New York Islanders. Each stop in his career added to his experience and showcased his ability to adapt to different team dynamics and systems. While he may not have been a headline-grabbing player, Sutton's steady play and professionalism earned him respect in locker rooms across the league.
Sutton's career also included a return to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played parts of two more seasons. His second stint with the team was a testament to the value he brought as a seasoned defenseman. Throughout his career, Sutton was known for his work ethic and ability to mentor younger players, providing a stabilizing presence on the ice.
In the early 2000s, Sutton found himself with the Washington Capitals, where he continued to contribute as a depth defenseman. His NHL career concluded after the 2001-2002 season, marking the end of over a decade in the league. Sutton's professional journey also included time in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for teams like the Rochester Americans and the Portland Pirates, further demonstrating his dedication to the sport.
Ken Sutton's career in professional hockey was marked by his role as a dependable defenseman across multiple teams in the NHL.
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