NASHVILLE – The Nashville Predators plan to sit down with goaltender Juuse Saros this off-season to discuss a new contract.
This was indicated by general manager Barry Trotz on Tuesday.
Saros, who is 29, has one season remaining on his four-year deal which comes with an average annual salary of $5 million. He can sign a contract extension from July 1.
“We’re going to talk,” Trotz said. I’m pretty sure we won’t make an announcement on July 1st. I think it’s going to take a little time with his agents. But I know this: “ [Saros] wants to be here, and he’s a big piece of our team. I would like him to stay here, so we will work hard to find common ground. »
Saros agreed with Trotz, and made it clear he wanted to stay with the Predators for the rest of his career.
“It’s a great city,” he said. Our fans are incredible, and I also think the organization has taken a big step forward this year. I believe in this team, and I would be really happy to stay here. »
Selected by the Predators in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2013 draft, Saros has a record of 182-119-32 with a 2.63 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and 23 shutouts in 350 career matches. He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the best goaltender in the League, in 2021-2022.
However, Saros posted career-worst numbers this season in GAA (2.86) and save percentage (.906), and he was the subject of rumors before the trade deadline . He said uncertainty over his future with the team occupied his mind at different points during the season.
“There were some days I thought about it a little more, but others I didn’t. It’s part of the reality of our sport,” underlined the goalkeeper.
Predators captain Roman Josi didn’t seem worried about Saros’ future in Nashville.
“As a player, you learn that you never really know what’s going to happen,” Josi said. But what I know is that [Saros] is our best player. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He has been incredible this year. »
What could influence the Predators’ decision is the outfit of promising Yaroslav Askarov, whom the team drafted 11th overall in 2020 and who appears to be ready to make the jump to the NHL.
The 21-year-old Russian spent most of the season in Milwaukee of the American Hockey League, where he went 30-13-1 with a 2.39 GAA, . 911 and six shutouts in 44 games. Askarov also appeared in two games for Nashville this season, and he posted a win with a 1.47 GAA and .943 save percentage.
