May 4, 2024 | 2:42pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

DOES SAROS FIT INTO NASHVILLE’S PLANS?

Juuse Saros, goaltender

As the Nashville Predators dissect their six-game playoff exit courtesy of the Vancouver Canucks, questions over the future of goaltender Juuse Saros at Bridgestone Arena are expected to arise this off-season.

Saros, who turned 29 on April 19, will be entering the final year of his four-year, $20 million contract. With the emergence of young netminder Yaroslav Askarov in the AHL, the Predators fielded trade inquiries earlier in the season before the team went on a rush for the playoffs and teams are expected to call about Saros’ services this summer.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta first reported earlier this season, Saros is believed to be looking for a similar contract to that of New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin, who signed an eight-year, $66 million contract extension last July. He is not eligible to sign an extension until July 1, however with Askorov waiting in the wings, the Predators are not believed to be overly interest in signing Saros to such a deal.

Several teams are believed to have interest in re-examining their goaltending position this off-season and could reach out to Predators GM Barry Trotz about Saros.

The Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams that expressed interest in Saros in the past. According to Pagnotta and TFP Sr. Writer Dennis Bernstein, the Kings pitched an offer for Saros just over two seasons ago that included two first-round draft picks and at least one top prospect. With the Kings in the market for a goalie this summer, they could re-engage with Nashville over his availability.

According to two separate sources from two separate NHL clubs, Trotz is expected to, at the very least, take calls on Saros this summer.

If the Predators decide to move Saros, he will surely command a high return, even entering an expiring contract. With just over $18.5 million in salary cap space next season, the Predators would have the ability to add a big contract via trade if Saros and his $5 million cap hit are moved out.

In 64 games with the Predators this season, Saros posted a 35-24-5 record with a 2.86 goals-against-average, a .906 save percentage and three shutouts.