The Predators have signed Viktor Arvidsson to a seven-year deal worth $29.75 million, at an annual cap-hit of $4.25.
The initial report came in from Elliotte Friedman:
Hearing NASH and Viktor Arvidsson are working on a 7-year extension at a $4.25 AAV
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 22, 2017
And then the official release from the Predators confirmed it:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the Predators have signed forward Viktor Arvidsson to a seven-year, $29.75 million contract that will pay him an average of $4.25 million annually through the 2023-24 season.
Arvidsson, 24 (4/8/93), tied for the Predators lead in goals (31) and points (61) during the 2016-17 season, hitting the 30-goal mark alongside fellow Swede and linemate, Filip Forsberg. Arvidsson also added 30 assists in 80 games for Nashville, with his 45-point improvement from 2015-16 being the second-most in the NHL in 2016-17. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound winger also led the League in shorthanded goals, and all Preds forward in plus/minus rating (+16). Arvidsson then recorded three goals and 13 points in 22 games during his team’s run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.
Arvidsson led Nashville rookies in goals (8), assists (8) and points (16) during the 2015-16 season – his first full campaign with the club – and capped it off by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of Game Six of the 2016 Western Conference Semifinals against San Jose to force a Game Seven.
Selected by Nashville in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft (112th overall), Arvidsson made his NHL debut with the Predators during the 2014-15 campaign, the only player drafted outside of the first round in 2014 to dress for an NHL game that season.
BOY AREN’T WE HAPPY!
The deal has a bit more term than we were all expecting, but that AAV seems right on the money. The guy flat out plays his heart out every shift and he is a crucial part of the top line.
Speaking of which, the only missing piece for JOFA is Ryan Johansen. Any day now…