Ryan Sikes 
Credit: NHL.com
The LA Kings and other interested parties will have to wait and see what happens with Filip Forsberg until the July 13 free agency signing period.
However, Predators GM David Poile spoke with the Nashville media on Thursday morning, confirming that the team has indeed offered the superstar forward an eight-year deal.
#Preds GM David Poile said this morning that team has indeed offered an 8-year deal to Filip Forsberg. Did not disclose $ amount.
Said the sides remain in contact. Free agency begins July 13.— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 23, 2022
Forsberg, who turns 28 in August, remained with the team through the NHL’s trade deadline. The Predators indicated they had no intention of trading the Swedish forward and were working toward a contract extension.
However, while Poile remains optimistic that the two sides can reach a deal before mid-July, he also offered some doubt, indicating that a backup plan may be needed.
“There’s certain things you would do or could do if Filip was signed and there’s certain things you can’t do. Now we’re in a situation where we’re formulating all sorts of different plans because we have to be ready for either scenario. It’s not where I want to be.”
— Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) June 23, 2022
Evolving Hockey projects Forsberg to fetch a seven-year deal at $9.5 million AAV. While the financials on the Preds offer to Forsberg remain unknown, The Daily Faceoff‘s Frank Seravalli indicated that the two sides remain “far apart.”
Forsberg is coming off a career year, tallying an even 42 goals and 42 assists for 84 points in 69 games.
He checks a lot of the boxes for what the Kings are looking for this summer, including playing a significant role on the power-play. Further, he would also be reunited with Viktor Arvidsson.
We’ll see if Kings GM Rob Blake will have the opportunity to make a pitch for Forsberg signing in Los Angeles.