He was again passed over by the NHL in the 1983 Draft, but accepted a full scholarship to play at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Suter was the third member of his family to play defense for the Wisconsin Badgers, following brothers John and Bob. He appeared in 34 games in 1983–84, scoring 22 points. Ian McKenzie, coordinator of scouting for the Calgary Flames, noticed Suter's play at Wisconsin and that he had added over two inches of height, which Central Scouting had failed to update in its record on him. The Flames picked Suter with their ninth round selection, 180th overall, in the 1984 Draft. Suter, who had been working in a beer factory, was initially disappointed at his selection. He was in his last year of draft eligibility and was hoping to follow other college players who signed lucrative contracts as free agents after going unselected. Following his sophomore season of 1984–85, in which he recorded 51 points in 39 games for Wisconsin, Suter left Wisconsin to turn professional. Playing career Calgary Flames The departure of Kari Eloranta prior to the 1985–86 NHL season created an opening on the Flames' defense. Suter excelled in training camp and not only earned a spot on the team, he was quickly recognized by head coach Bob Johnson as the team's best overall defenseman. He scored his first two goals in his second NHL game, a 9–2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, and by mid-season was among the NHL's rookie scoring leaders. He was one of two first-year players (along with Wendel Clark) to play in the 1986 All-Star Game, while his offensive production and ability to play in all situations made him a top contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy. Suter finished the season with 18 goals, and his 68 points tied Al MacInnis for the team lead for scoring among defensemen. He added ten points in ten playoff games, but was knocked out of the post-season in the Smythe Division Final against the Edmonton Oilers after suffering stretched knee ligaments following a hit by Mark Messier. Suter watched as the Flames reached, and ultimately lost, the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals to the Montreal Canadiens. Following the season, he was named to the All-Rookie Team on defense and was voted the winner of the Calder Trophy. Suter was the third American-born player to win the award, given to the NHL's top