Insider says elite goaltender very likely to be traded soon, lists potential teams
The Nashville Predators have mired in mediocrity the last few years, and are approaching a turning point in their franchise with star goaltender Juuse Saros soon to become a free agent. According to a new report from NHL insider David Pagnotta on the Fourth Period, it is extremely likely that the Predators trade him in the coming months.
Pagnotta reports that Saros is looking for a significant raise to around $8M on his next contract after next season, and the Predators aren't willing to give him that raise. They also have the next phenom goalie prospect waiting in the wings in Yaroslav Askarov, making it easier to move on from such an elite goaltender. Pagnotta says that if Saros isn't traded by the deadline, he likely will in the offseason.
Two separate sources told me this week that Saros is very much in play and if the Predators do not trade him ahead of the March 8 deadline there is a very strong possibility he is dealt in the off-season, likely around the NHL Draft.
In his report, Pagnotta primarily lists New Jersey as a potential landing spot for Saros because of their recent interest in Jacob Markstrom. The Devils could be a prime landing spot for Saros, but plenty of other teams could also be in on him as elite goalies are rarely available for trade. The LA Kings and Carolina Hurricanes would also likely be interested.
The Edmonton Oilers may have been interested in Saros earlier this season, but have now seen the high ceiling that Stuart Skinner has with this team. They probably aren't interested in Saros at this time, although they could be looking for more of a backup goalie.
| POLL | ||
Which team will trade for Saros? | ||
| New Jersey | 124 | 25.3 % |
| LA Kings | 88 | 17.9 % |
| Hurricanes | 91 | 18.5 % |
| Other | 188 | 38.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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