Mon May 12 16:21:02 2008

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Preds sign Erat to seven-year deal

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Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - The Nashville Predators have signed forward Martin Erat to a seven-year contract worth $31.5 million.

Erat, a restricted free agent, established a career high with 23 goals and tied a personal best with 57 points in 76 games this past season. He has spent his entire six-year career with Nashville.

"Martin Erat is a perfect example of this organization's philosophy," said Predators general manager David Poile in making the announcement. "He came to us as a seventh-round draft pick, and grew steadily into an elite player when given an opportunity to succeed. He has continued to take on more responsibility and is an integral part of our team moving forward. We look forward to his leadership and production for the next seven years."

The 26-year-old native of the Czech Republic has 85 goals, 168 assists and 253 points in 407 NHL games. He's added two goals and six assists in 20 playoff games.