Re-signing Ryan Johansen checks off the top priority on the offseason checklist. He’s the unquestioned veteran leader remaining after the retirement of Mike Fisher. The Predators simply can’t repeat last season’s performance if they lose Johansen.
Johansen’s deal is the richest in franchise history, per Sports Illustrated:
Many are arguing that Johansen’s $64 million deal is drastically overspending, but I disagree. The Predators have to lock up the pieces that played major roles in getting you to the highest of heights in franchise history. Johansen has earned his lucrative contract extension.
Just look at the Stanley Cup Final performance without Johnansen. The Predators might be prepping for a repeat of the Stanley Cup if Johansen didn’t get injured.