Nashville Predators sign Mattias Ekholm to 4-year, $25 million extension

Nashville Predators signed defender Mattias Ekholm to a four-year. $ 25 million extensions that will keep him under contract through the 2025-26 seasons. The Predators announced the contract at a press conference Wednesday.

General manager David Poile said Ekholm is a critical piece for the Predators and they couldn’t be happier to close that deal before the season opener against Seattle on Thursday night. Poile said Ekholm is 6 feet 4 inches, 215 pounds at the blue line while he is a mentor.

“We have a group of young right-wing defenders, including Alexandre Carrier, Philippe Myers, Dante Fabbro and Matt Benning, who have the opportunity to learn and play with Mattias on his opposite side and we love that stability.” that will take care of us on the blue line, “Poile said.

Ekholm’s contract begins in the 2022-23 seasons and has an average annual value of $ 6.25 million. Ekholm, 31, has played all eight NHL seasons in Nashville.

“Nashville is our home,” said Ekholm, a native of Borlänge, Sweden. “This is where we want to be. I believe in the future of this team and I look forward to the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup here in the next five seasons.”

He was the 102nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2011-12 season. Ekholm has scored at least 20 points over six consecutive seasons. His 23 points last season were second among Nashville defenders.

Ekholm has two goals to win the game and had the first multi-goal game of his career in February. He finished 10th in the Norris Trophy voting for the 201819 seasons. Ekholm said staying in Nashville with the Predators was his priority.
he Has played 71 playoff games, the third most popular skater in franchise history. His Plus14 postseason rating is the best in Nashville history. Ekholm helped Sweden win the 2018 World Cup.