Filip Forsberg knows a thing or 220 about goals.

The Nashville Predators' all-time leader in that category scored a career-high 42 this season, which would have been another franchise record if not for Matt Duchene's 43.

The 27-year-old forward said Tuesday he has one more goal: to stay with the Predators.

"I've said that since Day 1," Forsberg said a day after the Predators were swept out of the NHL playoffs, their fourth straight season they've not advanced past the first round. "The goal is to come back here. The business side is completely different than the on-ice side.

"Just kind of have to wait and see it play out."

FILIP FORSBERG: Why haven't Nashville Predators given Filip Forsberg a contract extension? George Kittle wonders, too

The unrestricted free agent hasn't signed a deal yet, with negotiations stalling after the trade deadline. Forsberg said Tuesday that talks were ongoing and he expected them to ramp up again. The free agency period begins July 13, so there's plenty of time to talk.

But money talks.

And Forsberg's agent could be talking bigger money than the Predators want to pay with other teams.

So Forsberg will either stay and command a hefty raise from the $6 million he had been making annually.

Or he'll go, with the Predators receiving nothing but memories in return, because general manager David Poile opted not to trade him this season, when his value was at its peak.

The optics would have been bad had Poile done that, but he no doubt could have received a haul in return.

The optics also won't be in Poile's favor should the Predators get nothing in return for Forsberg, except, of course, salary-cap space that could be used on a big-time free agent.

Poile was damned if he did trade Forsberg and may be damned because he didn't.

The optics after Monday's loss were a topic of discussion on social media after Forsberg appeared to linger a little longer than teammates on the ice to salute fans.

Forsberg shrugged off the perception.

HIGHLIGHTS: Nine for No. 9: Filip Forsberg's memorable goal performances for Nashville Predators career leader

"At the time you're not really thinking about the future too much," Forsberg said. "You're too caught up in the moment and disappointed. ... You almost feel bad for (the fans). We couldn't give them at least a couple more games."

Many of whom would like a lot more than a couple more games with Forsberg in a Predators uniform.

Either way, let's examine scenarios. Remember, the salary cap increases by $1 million next season.

PREDS: What former Predators goal leader David Legwand thinks of Filip Forsberg: 'Elite, top-end'

If Forsberg stays

The Predators, who have the cap room to sign Forsberg, keep their all-time leading scorer and hope he continues to have seasons like he had this season. While Forsberg has had plenty of good seasons, his streakiness and, at times, injuries, kept him from being elite, with the exception of this season.

One also has to wonder how Duchene's game might be affected by Forsberg's absence. Both had career years and fed off each other while doing it. The Predators can give him eight years, which might be a draw.

If Forsberg goes

First off, many Predators fans will be mad.

But Poile could use that money to sign a big-time free agent, such as Johnny Gaudreau, who is a year older and hit the 40-goal mark for the first time this season, too. He finished with 115 points. Short of Gaudreau, though, the Predators would be hard-pressed to replace Forsberg's production on the open market.

TROPHY CASE: Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros named Vezina Trophy finalist

STAY OR GO? John Hynes got the most out of Nashville Predators, even if there was nothing left by the end | Estes

Bottom line

The Predators and Poile desperately want to keep Forsberg.

He's said over and again he wants to stay.

But it's not that simple.

Forsberg almost certainly will command more than the $8 million Duchene and Ryan Johansen make, but it seems unlikely the Predators would be willing to pay him more than the $9 million and change what Roman Josi makes. Adding another long-term deal to those three in that price range seems to be Poile's only option if he wants to keep Forsberg.

I have a feeling they'll find a way to get a deal done. I also wouldn't be surprised if they didn't.

Reach Paul Skrbina at pskrbina@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Will Filip Forsberg sign with Nashville Predators? Become free agent?