Predators Goalie Juuse Saros Still the Subject of Trade Speculation
Nashville Predators starting goalie Juuse Saros surfaced in trade rumors last month, and the speculation has returned despite the players trying to drown out the noise.
The Nashville Predators continue to jockey for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, that hasn't damped media speculation that they might shop goaltender Juuse Saros by the March 8 trade deadline.
Saros, 28, stopped 43 of 46 shots against the New Jersey Devils in a 4-2 loss on Tuesday, bringing his season stats to a .903 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against average.
Last month, we noted a TSN report indicating the Predators were at least willing to listen to offers for Saros. We also observed the skepticism from the Nashville media that he would be moved while the club is battling for a playoff berth. Both sides agreed it would take a major offer to tempt GM Barry Trotz. And The Hockey News' Nashville Predators site editor Ann Kimmel noted the team is trying to drown out the trade rumor noise facing Saros and his teammates, including Dante Fabbro and Alexandre Carrier.
The Saros speculation resumed following recent reports indicating the New Jersey Devils had expressed an interest in Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom. With those talks having fallen through, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Devils might shift their focus toward the Predators starter. He also wondered if the Los Angeles Kings and Carolina Hurricanes would come calling.
Friedman said he believes the Predators seek a top offensive player and thinks Saros could fetch that type of return. He said center Quinton Byfield's name had been “tossed around” but doubted the Kings would part with him. Friedman also suggested Hurricanes winger Martin Necas might be enticing to the Predators.
Nashville Hockey Now's Clay Brewer recently pointed out how rare it is these days for a starting goaltender to fetch a big return in the trade market. If the Predators are willing to move Saros, Brewer isn't expecting anyone to meet their asking price.
Saros is signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $5 million. The Predators aren't under pressure to move him by the March 8 trade deadline. As long as they remain in playoff contention, the less likely it seems that Trotz will part with him.