Ryan Johansen, Predators Reportedly Agree to 8-Year, $64M Contract

Adam Wells @adamwells1985Featured ColumnistJuly 28, 2017

Nashville Predators' Ryan Johansen (92) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of Game 2 of the Western Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

The Nashville Predators on Friday locked up star center Ryan Johansen with a reported eight-year contract extension.

Per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, Johansen's new deal with the Predators will pay him $64 million over eight years.

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News reported on June 30 that Johansen's camp was seeking at least $8.5 million per season during negotiations.

The 24-year-old Johansen was a restricted free agent this offseason. He set career highs with 82 games played and 47 assists to help the Predators reach the Stanley Cup Final last season for the first time in franchise history.

Nashville acquired Johansen in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets in Jan. 2016. Johansen, Filip Forsberg (22) and Viktor Arvidsson (24) have given the Preds one of the best young trios in the NHL, and all three will be under contract together for at least the next five seasons.