NHL Rumours: Highly Disturbing As Nashville Predators Optimistic About Goalie Contract Negotiations

It’s time for another installment of NHL rumors. Despite being two games into the Stanley Cup Final, there’s a lot to talk about in the hockey world. The upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft and the commencement of free agency on July 1st are just around the corner. General managers are currently strategizing their team’s next moves before the free agency buzz kicks in. The Nashville Predators have been an unexpected contender and are aiming to capitalize on their recent improvements. This edition of NHL rumors delves into the ongoing contract negotiations that have played a significant role in the team’s success.

All NHL rumors are sourced from original reports and are subject to potential updates.

NHL Rumours

Nashville Predators Hopeful on Goalie Contract Talks

Report: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek provided an update on the contract negotiations between the Predators and Juuse Saros.

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Synopsis: It has been some time since we last shared developments on the Saros contract discussions. However, recent updates have been emerging almost daily. In a previous edition of 32 Thoughts, it was mentioned that Saros intended to observe the contract terms offered to New York Rangers’ goalie Igor Shesterkin before finalizing his own deal. Nonetheless, there were individuals within the organization who expressed discontent with Friedman’s coverage.

One of these individuals conveyed an optimistic outlook regarding the likelihood of a new contract being agreed upon. Saros currently has one year remaining on his contract but has the option to enter into an extension agreement anytime from July 1st onwards. Players approaching the final year of their contracts can commence negotiations for their next deal as early as next month.

Coming to Terms

The individual who contacted the source indicated that both parties are expected to finalize the upcoming agreement. Saros is currently in the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million. The prominent Finnish goalie played a significant role in the team’s unexpected appearance in the postseason this year. General Manager Barry Trotz is eager to reach an agreement to shift his focus towards addressing other organizational requirements during the offseason.

Approaching his 30th birthday at the conclusion of his current contract, Saros is seeking a substantial salary increase. Since the retirement of fellow Finnish goalie Pekka Rinne, Saros has maintained the tradition of strong goaltending for the Predators. The goalie market might become competitive with Shesterkin also set to become a free agent next summer. There are speculations that both goalies could monitor each other’s contract negotiations to gauge their worth in the market.

The Pipeline

It’s worth noting that Nashville may have a promising goalie in the pipeline as well. Yaroslav Askarov, a talented Russian goaltender, had an impressive season in the AHL playing for the Milwaukee Admirals. Askarov’s stellar performance in goal was instrumental in the Admirals’ advancement to the Western Conference Final. Nashville typically takes a cautious approach in promoting goalies to the NHL, a strategy that has been consistent since the developmental days of Rinne.

Given the potential challenge from Askarov for the starting goalie position in the future, what decision will Trotz make regarding Saros could offer insight into the Predators’ succession plan. Will the team consider this factor in the ongoing negotiations with Saros this offseason?

There were rumors that Saros might have been available for trade if the Predators had underperformed last season. However, the team’s strong performance has raised more questions than provided answers. Quality goaltending is a scarce commodity, but the Predators have been relatively fortunate in that aspect. These discussions might shed light on the direction of the team’s goaltending future in Nashville.