The New Jersey Devils are in the hunt for goaltending solutions, and their latest target appears to be Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.
According to a report by Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, the Devils have shown consistent interest in Saros over the past few weeks.
However, Predators’ General Manager Barry Trotz has been adamant about retaining Saros, especially while the team is in playoff contention. The Devils’ goaltending situation has been a point of concern since last summer when they were linked to Connor Hellebuyck before he re-signed with the Winnipeg Jets.
Throughout this season, they’ve been linked to various goaltenders on the market, including Jacob Markstrom. Their struggles in net are evident, with the team ranking 22nd in the NHL for goals against per game and dead last in team save percentage.
Acquiring Saros could significantly bolster the Devils’ goaltending. Despite a slightly down season, Saros boasts a solid record and respectable statistics.
With a .904 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average in 46 starts, he would provide a substantial upgrade over New Jersey’s current goaltenders. Additionally, Saros comes with a manageable salary of $5 million for one more year.
Devils’ Pursuit Intensifies
Financially, the Devils have room to make a move, with nearly $9.5 million in cap space. Offloading a goaltender like Vitek Vanecek could also facilitate the acquisition. While Nashville may not see Vanecek as a long-term solution, his contract expiring after the 2024-25 season could make him an attractive short-term backup option.
Nevertheless, it’s quite understandable that the Predators are hesitant to part ways with Saros, especially considering their current position in the playoff race.
With pressure mounting from other teams vying for a playoff spot, Nashville may opt to retain Saros unless an irresistible offer materializes. Should Saros become available, the Predators already have a potential successor in Yaroslav Askarov.
The goaltender, currently playing for their AHL affiliate, has showcased his talents with an impressive record and solid statistics throughout the season. As the March 8th trade deadline approaches, the Devils remain in the mix for goaltending help, and Saros represents a prime target.
Whether they can convince the Predators to part ways with their netminder remains to be seen, but the pursuit underscores the Devils’ commitment to shoring up their goaltending for the future.
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