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Nashville Predators: Free Agent Forwards to Track this Offseason

By Chad Minton

Blake Coleman #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates after scoring against Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Two of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 30, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Blake Coleman #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates after scoring against Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Two of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 30, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Blake Coleman
Tampa Bay Lightning center Blake Coleman (20)  Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

Blake Coleman, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2020-21 Cap Hit: $1.8M

Almost everyone is fully aware of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s cap situation that created some controversy and maneuvering that put them way over the cap in time for their run to a repeat of the Stanley Cup.

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They’re going to have to lose some key pieces, and Blake Coleman jumps out to me as one of them. I love watching this guy play, and someone will be very happy to scoop him away from the Stanley Cup champs.

How big of a pay raise did Coleman earn for being a key role player for the Lightning? He’ll definitely see a bump from his modest $1.8M annual salary he earned over the last three seasons in Tampa Bay.

The Predators have some moderate money to spend to get a player like Coleman. He put up an impressive 31 points in 55 of the 56 regular season games for the Lightning, which was well ahead of his career point pace.

In 2019-20, Coleman put up just one more point in 11 more games than he did this past season. He seems to be trending up, which will get him a decent pay raise.

Add onto his offensive production, Coleman plays a physical game with 109 hits this past season and his been in the conversation for the Selke Trophy in the past.

What’s the fair price for him in regards to the Predators? I’d explore a two or three-year deal worth around $2.5M, but no more than $3M. There could very well be a team willing to overspend for a player like Coleman.

Remember, the Viktor Arvidsson trade has freed up some room for Poile to be a little more aggressive on the open market. Coleman is a player I really hope he pursues heavily as he could be a major boost to the third line.

Don’t expect Poile to sit idly by on the free agent market. He’s looking to shake this roster up after trading Arvidsson.

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