The 2015-2016 Nashville Predators advanced to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs for only the third time in franchise history before losing to the San Jose Sharks in seven games. Nashville comes into this offseason with ample cap room and only one major expiring contract.
Cap Space: $11,511,190 (according to CapFriendly)
Key UFAs: F Paul Gaustad and G Carter Hutton. Gaustad’s tenure on the Predators has been relatively quiet. The 34 year old center has failed to crack 20 points in his last two seasons, but excelled in the faceoff circle. His 55.3% face-off percentage was good for 18th in the league. Carter Hutton served as Pekke Rinne’s backup last season, going 7-5 with a .918 SV% and a 2.33 GAA. As we reported earlier, however, Nashville signed G Marek Mazanec to a two year deal. GM David Poile indicated that the move may have left Hutton as the odd man out.
Key RFAs: F Filip Forsberg. Forsberg led all Predators forwards this season with 33G and 64P. The former 1st round draft pick was traded to Nashville by the Washington Capitals for Martin Erat, who themselves acquired the pick from Colorado for Semyon Varlamov. Forsberg is coming off an entry-level deal, and the Predators are in talks with his camp to sign him to a long term extension.
Other RFAs: F Calle Jarnkrok, F Gabriel Bourque, D Petter Granberg.