Predators Sign Ryan Johansen To Eight-Year, $64M Deal

[RealGM Wiretap]

GM David Poile has made it clear he's been looking for a top center since first hired to build the Nashville Predators 20 years ago.

He believes he has just that in Ryan Johansen, and that's why the Predators rewarded the 24-year-old center Friday with an eight-year, $64 million contract. It's the biggest deal the franchise has ever handed out.

Via ESPN.com

[Sam195]

Lol they matched Shea Weber's offer sheet 14 years 110m and later flipped it for Subban's deal 8 years 72m. Both contracts are larger than RJ's but I guess Predators trade for big contracts but don't offer them to their own guys. RJ's deal like Stamkos in Tampa is worth more in pure $$$ because Florida and Tennessee don't have a state income tax that is why both deals look like discounts.

This is going to look bad for Edmonton and their stalled negotiations with Leon Drasitl who is younger and likely going to be better than RJ even if he doesn't play his natural position of center. Drasitl probably wants 8m/season with a shorter term if Oilers want the full 8 years they will have to offer Kopitar money 8 years 80M at least especially with McDavid making 12.5M/season.