Predators Facing an "Actual Crisis" as Contract Talks Stall With Key Player

The Predators have given Luke Evangelista his qualifying offer, but months later no deal has been found as the team are facing an 'actual crisis'.

Last season, the Nashville Predators were one of the biggest disappointments in the entire NHL, and as a result, confidence in this current regime among the fanbase may be at an all time low.

Over the past two years, there have been some positives, with 23-year old Luke Evangelista posting 39 and 32 points in back-to-back seasons, with many expecting him to get a lucrative new contract in Nashville.

How Nashville's Front Office Missteps Are Fueling Doubt

Earlier this summer, Nashville gave Evangelista a qualifying offer, one that he did not agree too, and months later, nothing has gotten done, with worries feuled over this front office.

When asked about the situation, GM Barry Trotz revealed that term is the current issue, with the player looking for a shorter term deal while the front office want to lock him in for years to come.

'We're just trying to find a term that fits. I would like to go longer. The agents are hesitant to go longer on term.'

Given how the front office handed out massive deals to ageing players a year ago, there are doubts from fans over the competency of this group, with Evangelista one they desperately need to lock in as a potential piece in their top-six moving forward.

Evangelista Saga Highlights Predators' Risky Contract Strategy

This shows Trotz' need to get his way in negotiations, and while it would always be ideal if he could get his own way, that comes with plenty of risk, and if they can't get Evangelista signed after last summer, the seat in the front office may be getting hotter.

There's still time to lock down the 23-year old winger, but as of right now it's not looking promising, with the team outlook only deteriorating the more the front office struggle to get things done.