Predators, Juuse Saros agree to four-year, $20M extension

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Predators, goaltender Juuse Saros agree to four-year, $20 million extension

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/16/21

The Nashville Predators and goaltender Juuse Saros have agreed to a four-year, $20 million contract extension to avoid arbitration, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Nashville and Juuse Saros have a four-year, $20M extension to avoid arbitration
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 16, 2021

Saros has spent his entire six-year career in Nashville. Last season, he went 21-11-1 with a 2.28 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and three shutouts. The 26-year-old also finished sixth in Vezina Trophy voting last year.

Saros' deal comes after longtime Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL last month. In a piece for The Players' Tribune, Rinne praised Saros, saying he's the right guy to step up in Nashville for years to come.

"I'm going to miss being between the pipes for you guys at Bridgestone Arena, but when I watch some games next year and I see Juuse in net, I'll know it's being protected by the right guy," he said.

The Predators selected Saros in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. In total, the native of Finland is 76-47-17 with a 2.50 GAA, .920 SV% and 14 shutouts.

In addition to Saros, the Predators also have David Rittich and Kasimir Kaskisuo under contract for the 2021-22 season, which opens October 12.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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