Filip Forsberg Contract Extension Eyed by Predators amid Trade Rumors, GM Says

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Nashville Predators are not looking to move Filip Forsberg before the trade deadline. 

In fact, Predators general manager David Poile said the team wants to sign former All-Star to a contract extension. 

"No, I'm not trying to trade Filip Forsberg, I'm trying to sign Filip Forsberg," Poile told 102.5 The Game (h/t NHL.com). "It hasn't been done. I don't know when it's going to get done. I don't have the crystal ball to say it will get done. Both sides want it to happen, but it hasn't happened now."

Andy Strickland of 590 The Fan reported last week that Nashville was "actively shopping" Forsberg in trade talks. 

Forsberg told the radio station last week after the rumors came out that he would like to remain in Nashville, but acknowledged it's not entirely up to him.

"Like I said at the start of the year, I signed a six-year deal and this is year six," Forsberg said, via NHL.com. "Obviously I'd love to sign another one but at the same time, it's not all in my hands. It's a team effort that we're trying to work toward. At the end of the day, like I said, the only thing I can focus on right now is playing good hockey and trying to win games."

Forsberg is in the final season of his current deal that is paying him $6 million in 2021-22. 

Nashville's cap situation looks to be in very good shape after this season. The team only has $52.2 million in salary commitments for 2022-23, per Spotrac. 

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced in December that the cap for next season would go up by $1 million, to $83.5 million.

Forsberg, Nick Cousins, Michael McCarron, Matthew Benning, Ben Harpur and David Rittich are the only Predators set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. 

Nashville acquired Forsberg from the Washington Capitals in April 2013 for Martin Erat and Michael Latta. The 27-year-old has become one of the best players in franchise history over the past 10 seasons. 

Forsberg ranks second in Predators history with 178 goals and fifth with 385 points. He has scored 45 points in 40 games this season. 

Unless the Predators can find a trade before the March 21 deadline that would make them better immediately, moving Forsberg doesn't make much sense. They are currently the No. 1 wild card in the Western Conference with 64 points (30-19-4) and trail the Minnesota Wild by one point for the third spot in the Central Division.