Trotz: Predators will 'work hard' to extend Saros this summer

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz says the club will do all it can to sign goaltender Juuse Saros to an extension over the offseason.

"We'll be in talks," Trotz told NHL.com's Robby Stanley. "I'm sure it's not going to be definitely a July 1 announcement, probably. I think it's going to be a process with his people, his representatives. But I do know this: (Saros) wants to be here, and he's been a big part of it. I'd like him to be here, so we're going to work hard at getting something done with him."

The 2024-25 campaign will be the final season of the four-year, $20-million contract Saros signed in 2021. He's cemented himself as one of the league's top goalies over the duration of his deal, owning a .915 save percentage in 195 games while finishing top five in Vezina Trophy voting twice.

Despite his performances, Saros was often brought up in trade rumors while he and Nashville struggled early in the season. Trotz has maintained his preference of keeping Saros, but reports in March said the New Jersey Devils plan to pursue him in a trade this summer.

The Predators could turn to prospect Yaroslav Askarov, who they drafted 11th overall in 2020, to be their goalie of the future if they deal Saros. Askarov has only made three NHL appearances but impressed in the AHL this past season, compiling a 30-13-1 record and .911 save percentage for the Milwaukee Admirals.

Nashville earned the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference this season with 99 points but fell to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.