Adam Vingan

avingan@tennessean.com

Predators forward Calle Jarnkrok, a restricted free agent, filed for salary arbitration, but he and the team will continue to work toward a contract extension.

Defenseman Petter Granberg also filed for arbitration. Eligible NHL players had until Tuesday to request hearings, which will be held July 20-Aug. 4 in Toronto.

Jarnkrok, who turns 25 in September, had a career year for the Predators last season, scoring 16 goals and 30 points in 81 games. He spent most of the second half of the season as the left wing on Nashville's top line with center Ryan Johansen and James Neal, but his versatility allows Predators coach Peter Laviolette to shift him throughout the lineup.

"He had 16 goals last year, so, yeah, we're working on that and trying to get a multiyear deal. ... By hook or by crook, we're going to get it done," Predators general manager David Poile said last week. "I'd like to get a longer-term deal; I think this is the right time.

"I think he fits into a specific area on our team and a specific role, and with that comes a specific price. If we can get that, great. If not then we'll just do a one-year deal."

Last season, Jarnkrok played on a one-year, $735,000 contract. His qualifying offer is valued at $771,750, though he will command more than that.

Because Jarnkrok elected for arbitration, the Predators will have the right to choose whether he would receive a one- or two-year contract if a hearing is required to settle it. A one-year award would keep Jarnkrok a restricted free agent next summer.

Granberg, 23, appeared in 27 games last season after being claimed off waivers from Toronto. If re-signed, he should be Nashville's seventh defenseman next season.

Last year, the Predators had two forwards — Colin Wilson and Craig Smith — file for arbitration. Wilson agreed to a four-year, $15.75 million contract before his hearing date. Smith went through with the hearing but signed a five-year, $21.25 million contract before an arbitrator issued a binding verdict.

There were 25 total arbitration filings last summer, with eight requiring a hearing and three needing a judge to decide.

Reach Adam Vingan on Twitter @AdamVingan.

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