Filip Forsberg followed up an impressive rookie season a year ago with a career-best 33-goal, 64-point campaign for the Nashville Predators. But his point production dipped in the playoffs.
In 14 post-season games, the 21-year-old Forsberg scored twice with four points, and was held without a point in the final four games of Nashville’s second-round series with the San Jose Sharks. Such struggles can certainly point to signs of a likely injury or ailment of some kind, but few if any details are divulged until a team is eliminated or the playoffs end.
Two days after a second-round loss for Nashville, Forsberg revealed he had been dealing with an ailing back.
Filip Forsberg says he suffered a back injury during the playoffs. Still not 100%. #Preds
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) May 14, 2016
Roman Josi says he suffered nose and finger injuries. Will keep him from going to the World Championships. #Preds
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) May 14, 2016
Forsberg is a pending restricted free agent, having just concluded the final season of his entry-level contract worth a total of $4.475 million, as per General Fanager.
A portion of the Predators’ core — Fisher, captain Shea Weber, goaltender Pekka Rinne — is aging, but the future foundation is in place, with defenseman Roman Josi, forward Filip Forsberg and center Ryan Johansen all 25 or younger.
This season, Josi officially became the Predators’ most valuable defenseman, and Forsberg, who is a pending restricted free agent in position for a massive raise, was one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers in the second half, tying the team’s single-season record with 33 goals.
Filip Forsberg says he hasn't had contract negotiations yet, but doesn't want to be anywhere else but Nashville. #Preds
— Brooks Bratten 🍪 (@brooksbratten) May 14, 2016