Report: Juuse Saros, Predators close to signing eight-year extension

The Nashville Predators and goaltender Juuse Saros are closing in on an eight-year extension that will keep him with the club through the 2032-33 season, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

“Word at draft is Predators closing in on an eight-year extension with Juuse Saros,” Friedman wrote on X. “Not sure of the exact (average annual value), but apparently in the ($7-million range). Clearly, Saros wanted to stay.”

Daily Faceoff hockey insider Frank Seravalli also reported that the extension can be signed Monday, adding that the Predators are looking for a backup goalie on the market.

TSN’s Chris Johnston also confirmed their reporting, adding that sources tell him the deal will have an AAV of $7.74 million once Saros is eligible on Monday.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun says Predators’ General Manager Barry Trotz “was always confident he could get it done.”

Last season, Saros went 35-24-5 with a .906 SV% and 2.86 GAA and three shutouts.

Through nine NHL seasons, Saros has an 182-119-32 record with a .917 SV% and 2.63 GAA in 350 career games. The 29-year-old netminder has been one of the NHL’s most prolific goalies, leading the league in games played in the last three seasons.

In 2021-22, he was a Veznia Trophy finalist, going 38-25-3 with a .918 SV% and 2.64 GAA.