Predators' Forsberg not rushing into contract negotiations

Filip Forsberg might be the only one in the Nashville Predators organization not sweating his looming contract negotiations.

"I have a full year," Forsberg said, according to The Athletic's Adam Vingan. "I feel like you have to play your contract out."

Forsberg is entering the final season of a six-year, $36-million deal. With the Swedish scoring threat not in any rush to sign on the dotted line, his agent, J.P. Barry, reportedly told The Athletic that talks regarding a new contract haven't begun with the Predators.

"The only thing I can worry about is playing as good as I possibly can and help the team win," Forsberg said. "At the end of the day, that's going to put me in the best spot for any negotiations."

The 27-year-old has recorded 385 points across 497 games as a Predator, ranking second among all Nashville skaters since joining the league during the 2012-13 season.

The Predators are potentially staring down a complex offseason following the 2021-22 campaign, as Forsberg and Mattias Ekholm are both set to become unrestricted free agents.

Ekholm has discussed an extension with the Predators all offseason, TSN's Pierre LeBrun said Thursday on "Insider Trading." However, the 31-year-old defenseman and his agent will reportedly shelve negotiations if he isn't signed by the start of the season.