Viktor Arvidsson received a new contract befitting a breakout star Saturday, with the Predators signing the energetic forward to a seven-year, $29.75 million contract.

Arvidsson and the Predators took part in an arbitration hearing Saturday in Toronto, but were able to agree to terms before the judge issued a binding decision.

Few unheralded NHL players last season surprised more than Arvidsson. Expected to be a secondary contributor, Arvidsson erupted offensively with 31 goals and 61 points as part of Nashville's top line, tying for the team lead in each category.

Arvidsson increased his point total from the 2015-16 season by 45, the second-largest surge in the NHL last season. Oilers captain and NHL MVP Connor McDavid, who won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer with 100 points, upped his production by 52 points.

Predators general manager David Poile has shown a willingness to sign players on expiring entry-level contracts to long-term, salary cap-friendly deals.

Forward Filip Forsberg received a six-year, $36 million contract in June 2016. Defensemen Roman Josi (seven years, $28 million in June 2013) and Ryan Ellis (five years, $12.5 million in October 2014) also agreed to similarly constructed contracts.

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Nashville has signed four restricted free agents in the past week, with forwards Frederick Gaudreau and Pontus Aberg as well as goaltender Marek Mazanec receiving new contracts.

Forward Austin Watson, who has an arbitration hearing scheduled for Monday, and center Ryan Johansen are the Predators' remaining unsigned RFAs. Watson reportedly asked for $1.4 million in arbitration, which the team countered with a $700,000 offer.

Predators captain Mike Fisher, who still is contemplating the future of his NHL career, also would need a new contract if he were to return.

The Predators have $14.5 million in projected cap space, according to capfriendly.com.

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

Largest increase in points during 2016-17 NHL season

1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton) — 52 points (48 to 100)

2. Viktor Arvidsson (Nashville) — 45 points (16 to 61)

3. David Pastrnak (Boston) — 44 points (26 to 70)

4. Conor Sheary (Pittsburgh) — 43 points (10 to 53)

5. Richard Panik (Chicago) — 36 points (8 to 44)