Calle Jarnkrok Signs Six-Year Deal, Avoids Arbitration with Predators

The Nashville Predators re-signed restricted free agent forward Calle Jarnkrok to a six-year, $12 million contract on Wednesday, reported general manager David Poile. Jarnkrok was set for an arbitration hearing with the club on Aug. 4.

Jarnkrok, 24, had his best NHL season during the 2015-16 campaign when he played in 81 games and posted career highs in goals (16), assists (14) and points (30). Jarnkrok also skated in 14 playoff games during the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, posting one assist and four penalty minutes.

Originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings 51st overall during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the 5’11”, 186-pound center was acquired by the Predators along with forward Patrick Eaves in the trade that sent center David Legwand to the Red Wings on Mar. 5, 2014. In three seasons with the Predators, the native of Gavle, Sweden has played in 167 games and tallied 25 goals and 57 points.

Jarnkrok has represented Sweden in five international tournaments including three straight World Championships from 2012-2014. During the 2013 World Championships, Jarnkrok played in 10 games and registered one assist and four penalty minutes as Sweden captured the gold medal.

Today’s announcement comes during a busy summer for Poile: On June 27, the club re-signed forward Filip Forsberg to a six-year, $36 million contract; on June 29, Poile made headlines when he traded star defenseman Shea Weber to the Canadiens in exchange for defenseman P.K. Subban; and on Tuesday, the Predators announced that they had re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Petter Granberg to a two-year contract.