Question #3: The multi-million dollar question
Unfortunately it’s very possible that we’re not going to get an answer to this question until well into the offseason when free agency hits. After seeing Forsberg’s comments to Brooks Bratten regarding the ongoing contract negotiations, it doesn’t make me feel anymore confident that he’s coming back:
Filip Forsberg: “I’d love to sign another [contract], but it’s not all in my hands. It’s a team effort that we're trying to work towards. At the end of the day, the only thing I can focus on right now is just playing good hockey and try to win games.” #Preds
— Brooks Bratten 🍪 (@brooksbratten) March 1, 2022
Oh, boy. That just doesn’t give me a lot of hope that they’re anywhere close to a deal. Of course Forsberg is going to say flattering things about the current franchise he plays for and has always played for in the NHL.
It really looks like Forsberg is seeking a long-term and very lucrative contract close to Roman Josi territory, which is over $9M with a No Move Clause.
The Predators are going to have to overpay to keep Forsberg, and if they don’t then someone else will. That’s how this market works, and Forsberg has struck at the perfect time to get paid massively. Question is, do the Predators really want to be that team that didn’t reward their long-time superstar that’s just 27-years-old and could be ready to ascend into eite status?
Ultimately the Predators should end up re-signing Forsberg before the trade deadline, and I see the contract around $9M per for at least six years. Anything more than that and it gets dicey and you might have to trade him. You definitely under no circumstances lose him for nothing in the offseason.