Predators forward Patric Hornqvist signs five-year, $21.5 million contract

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nashville Predators have signed forward Patric Hornqvist to a five-year, $21.25 million contract.

Injuries limited Hornqvist to four goals and 10 assists in 24 games this season, but the 26-year-old has been one of the team's best offensive players when healthy. In a Tuesday release announcing the move, Predators general manager David Poile said Hornqvist "has become — and will remain — an integral member of our core group."

Hornqvist scored 30 goals in 2009-10 to become the fourth player in franchise history to reach that benchmark. He had 21 goals in 2010-11 and provided a team-high 27 goals in 2011-12. He ranks eighth on the franchise's all-time list in power-play goals (28) and is 10th in overall goals (84).