Roman Josi gets 7-year deal with Nashville Predators

Roman Josi signed a new deal with the Nashville Predators on Monday.

Granted, it’s for $70 million and six years less than what the last guy who played with Shea Weber received in his last contract. New CBA, man ...

From the Preds:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Roman Josi to a seven-year, $28 million contract. He will make $2.5 million in 2013-14, $3 million in 2014-15, $4 million in 2015-16, $4.25 million in 2016-17, $5 million in 2017-18, $5.25 million in 2018-19 and $4 million in 2019-20.

“Re-signing Roman was a top priority as we look to regroup heading into the 2013-14 season,” Poile said. “Roman has proven, with his growth and success here in Nashville and on the international stage, that he is one of the best young defensemen in the NHL. Roman’s skating ability and instincts have allowed him to play in all key situations. With today’s signing, we have our top defensive pairing locked up long-term, and we look forward to Roman’s continued development and contribution to the Predators’ on-ice success.”

Getting that $4 million salary when Josi turns 30 is a heck of a coup for Poile, even if the term on the overall term of the deal feels like a bit of a gamble.

Why? Because Josi’s not there yet as a standout NHL defenseman. Coach Barry Trotz said after the season that he wanted to see more “man-strength” from Josi, a phrase we’re pretty sure has its own musk.

But he showed he could be a solid post-Ryan Suter solid running mate for Weber, who will be in Nashville for six more seasons beyond the end of Josi’s deal (thanks, Philly).