Nashville Predators sign Roman Josi to seven-year deal

The Nashville Predators locked defenseman Roman Josi up for seven years. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) The Nashville Predators announced on Monday

The Nashville Predators locked defenseman Roman Josi up for seven years. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators announced on Monday that they have agreed to terms on a seven-year, $28 million contract with defenseman Roman Josi. Josi, 23, appeared in all 48 games last year for Nashville while tallying 18 points in his sophomore campaign with the Predators.

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile said re-signing Josi was a "top priority" as the team looked to regroup for the 2013-14 season. Josi will earn $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.

Polle called Josi "one of the best young defenseman in the NHL" and cited Josi's skating ability and instincts as main reasons the team wanted to re-sign the 23-year-old defenseman.

Josi was selected with the 38th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Predators.