NHL Rumors: Predators To Begin Extension Talks With Star

While on ESPN 102.5 The Game, Nashville Predators general manager David Poile stated that he plans to begin extension talks with Filip Forsberg soon.

#Preds GM David Poile says on @1025TheGame he plans on "talking and meeting" with Filip Forsberg's representatives in the near future to "take the dialogue up." Poile adds: "It would certainly be nice if we could have [Forsberg] here a lot longer."
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) February 1, 2022

Forsberg is currently in the final year of his contract and is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. Although the Predators traded away former core players like Ryan Ellis and Viktor Arvidsson during this past offseason, the team has been excellent this year. As a result of this, Forsberg could be more open to the prospect of an extension than before. Furthermore, Poile probably wants to keep as many players from his current roster around.

With how amazingly Forsberg has been playing personally, it's safe to say that he is due for a nice raise from his current $6 million yearly salary. In 33 games this season, he has a notable 24 goals to go along with 14 assists. He's scoring at a career-best pace and could finish the season with over a point-per-game for the first time ever. Luckily for him, it's also a contract year, too.

When looking at the fact that Forsberg is also still just 27 years old, there isn't too much risk to sign him to a long-term extension. Alas, time will tell if Poile is successful in convincing his star winger to stay.