Top 50 UFAs: Sources say Predators, Filip Forsberg remain far apart on extension

DENVER — As the Nashville Predators were saluting their fans after being swept out of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche in early May, Filip Forsberg took an extra long lap around Bridgestone Arena to soak it all in. You know, just in case.

That might have been pretty prophetic, perhaps the last glimpse of him in a Predators uniform.

More than six weeks later, Forsberg and the Predators are no closer on a new long-term contract extension that would keep him in the Music City. 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.

Sources indicate the Predators are cognizant of that reality and are beginning to examine alternative options in an attempt to replace Forsberg – whether it’s through the trade market or in free agency.

That will be difficult to do, regardless of the method. Forsberg, who turns 28 in August, racked up a career-best 42 goals and 42 assists for 84 points in his contract year. He can reliably be penciled in for 65-plus points each season, one of the few play-driving wingers on the market.

For that reason, Forsberg remains No. 2 on the latest Daily Faceoff Top 50 Free Agents board. He sits behind only 115-point scorer Johnny Gaudreau, who also does not seem any closer to a deal at this point to remain in Calgary.

As reported on Thursday, winger Reilly Smith was taken off the board, while sources indicate he has reached a verbal agreement on an extension to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights.

In addition, Valeri Nichushkin, Nick Paul and Ondrej Palat continue to climb the board as their strong playoff performances prove they can be counted on when the lights are brightest.

Here is the latest Top 50 Free Agents board:

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