NHL: Nashville Predators sign Viktor Arvidsson to seven-year deal

Nashville Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson signed a seven-year, $29.75 million contract, the team announced Saturday.

The deal pays Arvidsson an annual average value of $4.25 million per season through the 2023-24 campaign. The two sides were scheduled to have an arbitration hearing on Saturday.

Arvidsson compiled a team high in goals (31) and points (61) in 80 games last season while playing in final year of his entry-level deal. The 24-year-old Swede enjoyed a 45-point increase from his 2015-16 season, marking the second highest leap in the NHL in 2016-17 behind only Edmonton Oilers captain and Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid.

Arvidsson continued his strong play in the postseason, collecting three goals and 10 assists in 22 games as Nashville advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.

Arvidsson has scored 39 goals, set up 38 and added 63 penalty minutes in 142 career games since being selected by the Predators in the fourth round of the 2014 draft.