As previously reported, the deal carries an annual average value of $8.5 million. The contract was agreed to Saturday, but it wasn't officially in the books until now. "I couldn't be happier to spend the next eight years in the same city I've called home since my NHL career began," Forsberg said. "My fiancée Erin and I love Nashville, but we also strongly believe in the future of our team and know we can accomplish big things moving forward. I'd like to thank the Predators organization and David Poile for helping us get this deal done. Now, it's time to work toward our ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup home to Nashville and the best fans in sports." Predators GM Poile praised Forsberg's "talent, competitiveness and leadership, while saying this deal was "critical to our future as we continue to strive for our goal of winning a Stanley Cup." Forsberg is the Predators' all-time leading goal scorer. He is coming off a career-year in 2021-22 when he produced 42 goals and 84 points in 69 contests. He was also credited with 226 shots and 112 hits. 

According to Pierre LeBrun, the front-loaded deal will have a $4.5 million salary plus a $3 million signing bonus in the fifth year before going to a $4 million salary and a $3 million signing bonus in year six. Year seven will carry a $4 million salary and a $3 million signing bonus, while the final year will have a $3.5 million salary plus a $3 million signing bonus. LeBrun also reported that the contract has a full-no clause throughout along with a modified NTC for final two seasons. The Predators announced on Saturday that Forsberg had agreed to terms with the team on an eight-year contract to prevent him from going to free agency. 

That huge sigh of relief is coming from Nashville who were concerned that their top forward, Forsberg, would leave via free agency. Forsberg should have an AAV of $8.5 million, making the total deal worth $68 million. Forsberg had a tremendous season in 2021-22 as he had 42 goals and 84 points in only 69 games, easily the best of his career. Expect more of the same in 2022-23.

Poile said Wednesday that he believes the two sides are closer than they were a few weeks ago when the team offered Forsberg an eight-year contract. "We're talking every day," Poile said. "We've got a deadline coming up here [July 13] so obviously it's hugely important to us and I'm sure it's important to them. Both sides are from the beginning saying the right things that we'd like to get this done. Hopefully we just keep moving toward that." Poile stated that the deal would include both a no-movement clause and a no-trade clause if Forsberg re-signs. "We're so close right now to the deadline that we're all going to know pretty soon," Poile added. "We just keep pecking away. We're just putting our best foot forward."