Toffoli Linked to Predators by NHL Insider

This offseason the Nashville Predators are looking for top-6 players, scoring, experience, and winners. There is an under-the-radar UFA that fits that description perfectly and he won't cost as much as some. This would be Tyler Toffoli.

Toffoli seems to be a very sought after player because of what he brings to a team. He played for six teams over the past five seasons and split 2023-24 between the New Jersey Devils and the Winnipeg Jets. Wherever Toffoli goes, he scores goals.

Related: Josi Wins Silver, Crowned Best Defenseman at IIHF World Championship

The sniper's comments made it seem like he is going to test free agency after the Jets got eliminated in the first round to the Colorado Avalanche and he scored two goals in five games. Toffoli stated , "I feel like I’ve worked my way to an opportunity to see what’s next and whatever happens, happens." He also produced seven goals and 11 points in 18 games with Winnipeg after being acquired at the trade deadline.

NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun noted that Toffoli is going to be headed to free agency and is going to get paid, saying, "It’s time for the goal machine known as Tyler Toffoli to finally get paid...and while he enjoyed his time in Winnipeg after the trade this season, he’s headed to market, which is not surprising." LeBrun also speculated that Toffoli and Nashville could be a match.

Toffoli recently turned 32 years old and is coming off of a four-year deal worth $4.25 million AAV. He was underpaid from the start, scoring 33+ goals these past two seasons and 28 goals in 52 games in 2020-21.

He is easily still a top-6 winger that can produce and knows how to win, hoisting the Stanley Cup once before with the Los Angeles Kings. As LeBrun noted, the Predators are going to have to dish out some money, but bringing Toffoli in ensures more goals than what the team got from certain areas of the lineup this season. At his age, I don't see the contract extending longer than five years, but the trusted sniper is going to get $6 million AAV+ on his contract this summer and why can't Nashville be the team benefiting?

The Predators have more than enough money and if they want to stay in contention while Roman Josi is still playing very well then the team will have to weaponize their cap space and bring in serial winners as Barry Trotz stated. Toffoli doesn't have to be the only addition, but he does seem like a great player to target this summer.

Recent Predators News

Podcast: Will a Former Predators Player or Coach Hoist the Stanley Cup in June?

Predators Need Winners & Marner Hasn't Proved He is One

The Only 2 Reasons the Predators Need to Not Re-Sign Beauvillier

Predators Should Target Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Center in Free Agency

Related: Predators Will Have Top UFA Defensemen on Radar to Upgrade Back-End