Mikael Granlund Is Staying With The Nashville Predators

After reportedly planning to test the free-agent market, Mikael Granlund has elected to remain with the Nashville Predators, signing a four-year deal worth $5 million AAV. The 29-year old centre has played the part of three seasons with the Preds, the majority of which were shortened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Granlund was acquired from Minnesota by Nashville at the 2019 trade deadline in exchange for Kevin Fiala.

Granlund was drafted by Minnesota 9th overall in 2010. The product of Oulu, Finland took a couple years to make his NHL debut, but once he cracked the lineup with the Wild they never took him out again. Granlund played in 7 seasons for Minnesota, his best year being a 26 goal, 69 point campaign in 2016-2017. He put up similar numbers the following year, but then saw some regression in his scoring totals in 2018-2019 that led to him being shipped to Nashville. As with every Preds player, Granlund saw his production drop further playing in Tenessee, but he clearly enjoys the city and will be sticking around long term. 

At 29-years old, Granlund's new contract will take him until he's 33, at which point he will have a chance to test free agency once again. This will likely be the biggest contract extension he'll see for the rest of his career, so it speaks volumes about Granlund's desire to stay in Nashville, given that he could have commanded a higher salary on the UFA market.

What do you think about Granlund sticking around in Nashville?

Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports