Contract negotiations between Nashville Predators and Spencer Stastney at an impasse

The Nashville Predators and defenceman Spencer Stastney remain distant on contract discussions amidst arbitration, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday.

Nashville is willing to pay $775,000 AAV for the next two seasons on a two-way deal, while Stastney seeks a one-year contract worth $950,000, earning him a full-time roster spot at the NHL level.

The 24-year-old blueliner split the 2023-24 season between the Predators and their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He had two goals and two assists in 20 games with Nashville while adding five goals and 15 assists through 44 games with Milwaukee. 

Selected by the Predators in the fifth round at the 2018 NHL Draft, Stastney entered this off-season coming off a two-year, entry-level contract worth $1.85 million.

The Nashville Predators and defenseman Spencer Stastney are currently at an impasse in contract negotiations, leaving the young player’s future with the team uncertain. Stastney, who was drafted by the Predators in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft, has shown promise in his development as a defenseman but has yet to solidify his spot on the team’s roster.

Negotiations between Stastney and the Predators have reportedly hit a snag over the terms of his contract, with both sides unable to come to an agreement on salary and length of the deal. Stastney is seeking a contract that reflects his potential and future contributions to the team, while the Predators are looking to secure a deal that is more favorable to their salary cap situation.

The impasse in negotiations has raised questions about Stastney’s future with the Predators, as the team may be forced to explore other options if a deal cannot be reached. Stastney’s performance in training camp and preseason games will likely play a significant role in determining his fate with the team, as he will need to prove that he is deserving of a spot on the roster.

While contract negotiations can be a challenging and sometimes contentious process, both Stastney and the Predators will need to find common ground in order to move forward. The team will need to weigh the potential benefits of signing Stastney to a long-term deal against the risks of overpaying for a player who has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor at the NHL level.

Ultimately, the resolution of contract negotiations between the Nashville Predators and Spencer Stastney will have significant implications for both parties. Stastney will need to prove his worth on the ice in order to secure a deal that meets his expectations, while the Predators will need to make a decision that balances their long-term goals with their current financial constraints. Only time will tell how this situation will unfold, but one thing is certain: both sides will need to come to an agreement in order to move forward.