NHL
Juuse Saros Signs Bargain Deal With Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators know value when they see it. Juuse Saros signed a three-year deal worth just $4.5 million. With an average annual value of $1.5 million, the contract is a steal for the talented young goaltender.
Saros doesn’t have a long career with the Predators, but within his 48 games played his numbers look promising. Overall, he carries a 21-14-10 record with a .923 save percentage and 2.42 goals against average. During 2017-18, Saros had a .925 save percentage and 2.45 goals against in 26 games. The Predators had him starting on the second game of all 11 back-to-backs during the season.
Last season’s accomplishments stack up to prove what he is capable of. On Dec. 14, Saros set a new Predators record with 46 saves in a shutout versus the Edmonton Oilers. He led the league in save percentage throughout most of the season and was named to the NHL All-Rookie team. There is a lot of potential in a 23-year-old goalie who is already setting franchise records. The Predators were able to sign him for well under his value, which allows for future choices
Saros Contract Allows for Options
Starting goalie Pekka Rinne becomes a free agent at the end of next year and it’s unclear right now if the team intends to re-sign him. With his 42-13-4 record during 2017-18, which included a career-high eight shutouts, Rinne doesn’t seem to be slowing down yet. At 35 years old, it’s difficult to predict his sustainability.
Letting Saros start more during the 2018-19 season would allow the Predators to evaluate their goaltending situation before they have to make a decision. If he performs well with the heavier workload, the Predators can be confident Saros is ready to be their starter. Otherwise, they are faced with signing Rinne to a new contract or bringing in someone else on a bridge deal.
