Nashville Predators: Salary Cap advantage for Poile and Predators

May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson (38) and center Ryan Johansen (92) celebrate Arvidsson's game winner in overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK /

2 of 6

May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson (38) and center Ryan Johansen (92) celebrate Arvidsson’s game winner in overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Arvidsson, Johansen are necessary

The Nashville Predators must do what it takes to keep Viktor Arvidsson. In his second full season, the 24-year old left winger lead the team in goals, points, short handed goals, and was second in plus/minus rating.

Along side of Arvidsson, Ryan Johansen is needed. Not just because he earned 61 points, like Arvidsson, but because they worked well with together on the front-line. The combination of them and Filip Forsberg scored 180 of the team’s 625 total points.

Here is the problem. While Arvidsson’s contract was worth $640,000 in 2016, Johansen’s was $6 million. Furthermore, Forsberg also earned $6 million. Can the Predators afford all three players? It is unlikely the team will pay 10 times more for Arvidsson than his previous contract.

The combination of both players will be close to $10 million, with Arvidsson earning $3 million and $7 million for Johansen.

Home/Editorials