The Nashville Predators are betting heavily on Juuse Saros to bring wins, but with the goaltender's contract expiring after 2024-2025, all scenarios are plausible, including a trade.
The Finn, who is completing the third campaign of a four-year, $20 million pact, is entitled to full autonomy once the deal is finalized unless he agrees to extend his association with the Preds from here in the summer of 2025 . Additionally, TSN Network journalist Pierre LeBrun revealed this week that the Tennessee organization plans to begin negotiations with the 28-year-old athlete next offseason. However, a transfer before March 8th, the trade deadline in the National Hockey League, cannot be ruled out.
“[…] Nashville has always said its only plan is to sign Saros this summer. That remains Plan A, but what has changed since the start of the year is the number of teams desperately trying to improve their situation in front of the net. That's why the Predators believe they will have no choice but to listen if they receive a serious offer, I'm told,” the hockey expert said on air.
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LeBrun added that it would take a big name — he cited Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings as an example — as the type of compensation that can convince the Preds to trade, rather than draft picks.
Statistically speaking, Saros is having a rather average season. He maintained a record of 18-16-1, a goals-against average of 2.96 and a save percentage of .903. The Predators, who beat the Kings 2-1 on Thursday, are in first place among drafted clubs in the Western Conference with 51 points. They will visit the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday.