The Nashville Predators re-signed defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Ekholm was set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. The Predators were reportedly shopping him for the majority of last season but a deal never came to fruition. Instead, they shipped veteran blue-liner Ryan Ellis to the Philadelphia Flyers over the summer.

Last season, Ekholm ranked third on the team in time ice (22:52), fourth in shots on goal (110), and fifth in blocked shots (46). He had six goals and 17 assists in 48 contests.

The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Predators since making his NHL debut in 2011. He's collected 51 goals and 168 assists in 586 games.

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