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Nashville Predators: What Does Future Hold for 2022 Unrestricted Free Agents?

By Max Greenberg

Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mattias Ekholm, Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) . Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Mattias Ekholm

Much has also been said about Ekholm, who just had a very good year and was going to be the main trade piece for the Predators at the trade deadline.

Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators /

Nashville Predators

The team’s resurgence in the second half of the year forced General Manager David Poile to keep him around, but his future on the team still remains more of a mystery than Forsberg’s.

The reason being that between the veterans and prospects, the Predators have so many options on defense.  Alexandre Carrier and Dante Fabbro showed much promise in the 2020-2021 season, and David Farrance and Jeremy Davies have both yet to get a legit chance to play at the NHL level.

With Ekholm, Roman Josi, and Ryan Ellis still in the fold, somebody is going to be the odd man out, and with the team’s new direction, it might be between Ellis and Ekholm.  In that case, Poile might find it more convenient to trade Ekholm since Ellis is under contract for several more years at a team-friendly price.

Does this mean I definitely see Ekholm getting shipped off?  No. Poile has always invested heavily into his defense, and with him knowing what he has in the 31-year old Swede, Poile will want to keep him around.

Ekholm will be extended along with Forsberg, but this one is not as clear cut.

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