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Report: Predators, Filip Forsberg 'far apart' in negotiations
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg is nearing free agency. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Predators, Filip Forsberg 'far apart' in contract negotiations

Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg is set to hit the open market when NHL free agency begins on July 13. 

Forsberg has played 566 career NHL games, all in a Predators uniform. However, his time in Nashville may be coming to an end.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Predators and Forsberg remain "far apart" in contract negotiations. 

"The two sides have made little progress, according to sources, and remain far apart on both dollars and the type of contract structure he'd prefer to stay a Pred," Seravalli wrote.

Seravalli added that the Predators are currently looking at alternatives, whether it be through free agency or trade. 

Nashville has reportedly offered Forsberg an eight-year contract, though financial details are unknown. 

"We're taking a position where we feel that we're offering the right thing," Nashville Predators GM David Poile said on Thursday. "They're taking a position where they think it should be more than that. They're not wrong, and with all due respect, I'm not wrong.

"Something has got to give in the next couple of weeks for Filip to sign."

Forsberg's expiring six-year, $36 million contract paid him a $6 million base salary per season. 

This season, the 27-year-old posted career-highs in goals (42), assists (42) and points (84), playing 69 games for the Predators. 

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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