Nashville Predators general manager David Poile told reporters on Tuesday that he doesn't think star Peter Forsberg would return to the league next season, ESPN reported Wednesday.

"If he said he was going to play, I don't think he'd rule out Nashville,'' Poile said. "I think his experience was good here. I don't think he's thinking, 'I'll only play in Denver.' ... I think he's thinking of not playing.

"I'll talk to him in the next couple of days,'' Poile added. "Obviously I'll ask [about his status] and if he needs some time to think about it and he tells me he hasn't ruled out Nashville, then I'll tell him, 'Take as much time as you want.'"

The Swede, who turns 34 in July, became an unrestricted free agent when the Predators' playoff run ended in the first round. He reiterated Monday that he will take a few months to rest and see if he can resolve the foot issues that limited him to 57 games this season.

"I had some problems with my foot there all year, especially at the beginning of the year,'' he said. "I don't want to rush it. I just want to make sure everything is fine and I can play at the level I've been playing at. That's kind of what the decision's all about.''

Forsberg had 55 points this season, 15 of those after Philadelphia traded him to Nashville in February for two players and two draft picks. Nashville was 10-4-3 when he was in the lineup, but couldn't help the Predators avoid a second consecutive first-round loss to San Jose in five games.

Forsberg said he still loves to play, but wants to be sure his foot problems can be fixed. Surgery on loose ligaments in Forsberg's right ankle last offseason made little difference on the painful condition that makes his foot feel crooked in his skate.

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"I don't think I can go through another year like this year,'' he said. "It's been hard, especially in the beginning of the year. I don't think I could do myself justice on the ice, and it's very hard. I don't want to rush into a new season. I want to make sure everything's all right if I come back and play.''

If Forsberg does want to play, the Predators have some tough decisions about which players to pursue. Forsberg just concluded a two-year deal worth $11.5 million, a little pricey for a franchise carefully watching its paid attendance to ensure it receives all the revenue-sharing money available.

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