May 12, 2008 | 3:55pm ET
Predators re-sign Erat TheFourthPeriod.com
The Nashville Predators have re-signed impending restricted free agent right wing Martin Erat to a seven-year, $31.5 million contract.
"Martin Erat is a perfect example of this organization's philosophy," Predators GM David Poile said. "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."
Erat, 26, established career highs in goals (23), game-winning goals (6) and tied a personal best in points (57) in 2007-08.
A veteran of 407 NHL games, Erat became the third Predators draft pick (along with David Legwand and Scott Hartnell) to appear in 400 games for the club on March 20, 2008 vs. Detroit.
The Trebic, Czech Republic native was originally drafted as Nashville's 12th selection, 191st overall (seventh round), in the 1999 Entry Draft.
