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“Nashville Predators: What to Do with Juuse Saros” – October 30th, 2017



“Nashville Predators: What to Do with Juuse Saros” – October 30th, 2017

by GMBarryTrotz

1 Comment

  1. GMBarryTrotz

    An interesting article from 2017 talking about a 22 year old Juuse Saros. It’s fascinating to me that this same conversation was happening way back when. The difference being that Saros got legitimate shots at the NHL and Askarov hasn’t. IMO it’s also very much worth noting that Mitch Korn has had nothing to do with Saros – Saros was drafted after Trotz / Korn left.

    Selected highlights – feel free to read the whole article.

    >Pekka Rinne is reaching the end of his career, and as of now, his struggling backup Juuse Saros seems to be far from NHL ready.

    >Juuse Saros, the Nashville Predators 22-year-old back up goalie is in a rut right now. The Nashville Predators drafted Saros 99th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The 5’11” 180 lb Finnish goalie was the top ranked European goalie by most scouts that year. Scouts raved about his athleticism and toughness, despite his small stature.

    >In his one full AHL season, Saros started 38 games. He won 29 of them, and finished with a .920 save percentage, a 2.24 GAA, and 4 shutouts. In the minors, Saros looked phenomenal. He was smaller than the average goalie, but he made up for it with fantastic technique and a great skillset built off his quick athleticism. He appeared to be NHL ready at just 20 years old.

    >Last season, Saros split time between Nashville and Milwaukee. He won 13/15 starts, allowed only 1.86 goals per game, and had a .934 save percentage. In Nashville, Saros won 10/19 starts, had a .923 save percentage, and a 2.35 GAA.

    >If the front office doesn’t think that Saros is the answer for the future, they need to act now. If they want to trade for another goalie, the clock is ticking. They would much rather know who the future goalie is, before Rinne hangs up the skates.

    >Sure, Saros is badly struggling right now. However, he will most like have at least 15 more starts this year. Rinne is a superhero most nights, but he still needs to rest every once in a while.

    >Give Saros his time. He didn’t just suddenly forget how to play goalie. He has always been one of the top goalies for his age. Oh and while we’re on age, let’s just remember, JUUSE SAROS IS ONLY 22 YEARS OLD.

    >Maybe this offseason, the front office will shop Saros around a bit. He is still a very young and talented goalie with 10+ years ahead of him. That’s an investment worth making for a lot of teams.

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