Filip Forsberg's Future With the Nashville Predators Remains Uncertain

As the Nashville Predators jockey for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference, Filip Forsberg's contract negotiations continue to generate interest in the rumor mill.

As the Nashville Predators jockey for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference, Filip Forsberg's contract negotiations continue to generate interest in the rumor mill. Eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, the 27-year-old winger faces an uncertain future.

Cap Friendly indicates Forsberg is completing a six-year deal with an annual average value of $6 million. He's enjoying a career-high performance in his contract year with 38 goals and 75 points.

Earlier this month, NHL.com's Dan Rosen speculated Forsberg will eventually sign with the Predators, pointing to their unwillingness to move him leading up to the last month's trade deadline. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Forsberg's agent and Predators general manager David Poile held their first face-to-face meeting in some time. Neither side, however, revealed any details of their discussion.

It's a positive sign the two sides are talking again but there's no certainty a deal can be reached.

With $55.4 million invested in 14 active players for 2022-23, the Predators can afford to sign Forsberg to what could be a raise of over $8-million annually. He can also get an eight-year deal staying with Nashville compared to the seven-year maximum he'd receive elsewhere as a free agent. That extra season of contract security could entice him to accept a little less than market value.

The problem is the Predators have two forwards in Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen earning $8-million annually on long-term contracts. Poile could balk at tying up over $24 million in three forwards.

Negotiations will likely carry on into the off-season and could continue up to the start of free agency on July 13. Speculation will grow the longer Forsberg goes without a contract extension.