The Nashville Predators are likely headed into next season with Juuse Saros as the starter, but the real question is if Yaroslav Askarov is ready to be the backup goalie yet. This is an important decision and the Predators have to prepare for it if he isn't and compensate. By compensate I mean bring in a netminder that can be the backup, but also serve as the third string goalie if Askarov does indeed look ready. In case anything happens to Saros, this other goalie should also have the ability to start. This is a fine line and not many goalies out there fit this description, but there is a free agent veteran who does that the Predators should have their eyes on. There is no guarantee that Kevin Lankinen will be back with the Predators as he's a UFA and without a contract. He might be looking for a larger role and that could take him elsewhere to not be stuck behind an elite starter like Saros. Nashville Predators goaltender Kevin Lankinen speaks to the media following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Cap space isn't an issue, so the Predators don't have to be worried about paying a little extra for who the team wants. The goalie that fits the bridge position in net for 2024-25 may just be Martin Jones. After playing third string to Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll, Jones could very well be looking for an opportunity to actually play more. Without an injury, Nashville doesn't promise many more starts for Jones, but he should be on the team to at least start the season. The 21-year-old Askarov has two years of professional hockey under his belt, but there is no rush, especially if Saros is going to be re-signed. Jones has shown the ability to hold down a net when other goalies have been injured or playing poorly. He has done so in consecutive seasons with the Seattle Kraken and then with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023-24. Jones served as a backup for a lot of the season and once he got the call up, his play indicated that he can't be sent down or he would be claimed off of waivers. He is definitely too good for the AHL and a role where he serves as the bridge is all he may get from free agency. The free agent goalie class isn't spectacular this season, but the trade market is going to be buzzing. There are more than enough goalies to go around that someone like Jones could be overlooked by many teams. Nashville doesn't need a starter, but to give Askarov more time that he should get, Jones is a solid option behind Saros and to possibly not start for extended periods of time. Askarov has a .911 SV% in each of the past two seasons in the AHL for the Milwaukee Admirals. The team is good and there are only a select few netminders who can come into the NHL at such a young age and actually make an impact. Most of the time that is when the team doesn't have an elite goalie already starting. The Predators are trying to get better and win, and while Askarov may very well be a good backup option, it's not worth taking that chance and not bringing in one more goaltender to hold that spot. Jones is a former Stanley Cup winner and has started 61 games over the past two years. He's 38-21-4 with a .891 SV% and five shutouts. While the SV% doesn't look great, that is exaggerated by some bad starts. He wasn't always in front of very good defensive units or teams. Jones was signed for league minimum last season and does deserve a bit more in a contract this summer for the work he's done in challenging roles. As I noted, there may not be a ton of interest given to him this summer. There are other options in net too who could possibly do the same job as Jones, but his experience and ability to step in after not playing for a lengthy amount of time is unique and attractive for the Predators. Nashville really only need a goalie on a one-year deal. Jones will probably only get one year on his next contract. Everything lines up pretty well for this potential signing to happen. The Predators will not go into next season without either a backup goalie to play in front of Askarov or a third-string goalie if the team has enough confidence in their young netminder. RECENT PREDATORS NEWS Alexandre Carrier's Likeliest Landing Spot in Free Agency is Edmonton [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/alexandre-carriers-likeliest-landing-spot-in-free-agency-is-edmonton] Who Does Zachary L'Heureux Replace on the Predators Next Season? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/who-does-zachary-lheureux-replace-on-the-predators-next-season] Juuse Saros' Camp Potentially Waiting for Shesterkin Deal Before Signing With Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/juuse-saros-camp-potentially-waiting-for-shesterkin-deal-before-signing-with-predators] Should the Predators Really Re-Sign Jason Zucker? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/should-the-predators-really-re-sign-jason-zucker]
