Insider on Potential Saros Trade: "Oh My Goodness, This Could Actually Happen Here"

Juuse Saros has been one of the top goaltenders in hockey for some time now.  Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz tried to make it clear earlier this season that he would not be trading their rock between the pipes. But sometimes, things change. 

And as the Predators' season has looked more and more challenging as we approach the trade deadline, the chances of a Saros trade now seem to be increasing. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast on Friday that it doesn't seem to be such a long shot anymore. 

Before, I would have thought it was 95 to 5 (percent) they weren't trading him. Now, I don't know if I would say it's 50-50, but what are we at, like 75-25? And I've got to think that's going through their room. All those players know how good Saros is and I just wonder if everyone’s realizing, 'oh my goodness, this could actually happen here.'

Friedman attributes the increasing chances of a Saros trade to a few factors: 

(a) He has just one more year left on his contract after this one, at a $5 million cap hit. Would they be ready to pony up for a very pricey extension?

(b) Top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov—the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft—is dominating at the AHL with an 18-6-1 record, a 2.17 GAA and .921 Sv% (and even had a shutout in one of his two games with the Preds this season). "There's nothing he can do down there anymore," said Friedman. "At some point in time, the guy's gotta come up here and play."

(c) Trotz and the Predators know they need to add some "elite offensive talent" if they're going to get to the next level. Saros could land a huge haul in a trade.

"If they get a good offensive player (in a Saros trade), they're going to consider this," concluded Friedman.

The Preds are currently 27-25-2 and four points back of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The idea of a Saros trade just could be a real thing as we get ever closer to March 8th. 

Photo: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports