Predators: Forsberg Contract Sets Stage for Free Agency Period

The Nashville Predators made a move on Saturday that is perhaps more important than any other move they’ll make this offseason.

Nashville locked up winger Filip Forsberg, signing him to an eight-year contract. The deal brings back the Preds’ third-highest scorer from last season. Forsberg contributed 42 goals and 42 assists for 84 points in 69 games.

No player has scored more goals as a member of the Predators than Forsberg (220), and at age 27, this deal ensures that he will stay in Tennessee through his prime.

While a forward like Yakov Trenin could still be a nice re-signing for the Preds, securing Forsberg was the organization’s top priority. That, plus the acquisition of defenseman Ryan McDonagh, has Nashville in an attractive spot heading into free agency.

The Predators re-signed Forsberg and can now focus on free agency.

Nashville has already locked down its star and gone externally to make an upgrade to the roster. Most teams would be happy to have done one of those things at this stage of the offseason.

Taking care of Forsberg is important, because it opens up so many possibilities for the Preds. Free agency begins on July 13, so while other front offices scramble to avoid losing players, the Predators can determine who they want to add.

According to CapFriendly, Nashville has just under $10 million remaining in cap space. With ten forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders under contract, the Predators can use that remaining money to swing big at available forwards.

Looking at Nashville’s roster, the left wing position seems relatively solid with Forsberg in the mix and 25-year-old Tanner Jeannot set to slot in behind him and carry on the success that he enjoyed as a rookie.

Right wing could be a position to hone in on for the Preds. Claude Giroux headlines the list of players in that department that David Poile and company could pursue.

There is also a plethora of young stars and Stanley Cup champions that could become available to Nashville, including Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Johnny Gaudreau to name a few.

Some combination of those skaters would give the Predators tremendous flexibility in general at the forward position.

The possibilities are endless for the Predators, but with key moves already made, ample cap space available, and few gaps to fill, Nashville could be one of the NHL’s most improved clubs in no time.