Nashville Predators: Top Free Agent Goalies If Rinne Retires
By Rich Howe
Chris Driedger / Florida Panthers / 2020-21 Salary: $850,000
Acquiring the services of Chris Driedger from the Florida Panthers could prove to be a steal for the Predators. After making only $850,000 last season, a modest raise to come to Nashville and back up Saros could be just what the Predators and Driedger may need.
Driedger started the most games of his five-year NHL career last season. Of his 23 starts, 14 were wins, 9 were losses, and 3 were O/T losses. He finished the season with a 2.09 GAA and a .927 SV%. Driedger also tallied three shutouts last season, two of which were against the Predators.
However, last season’s playoff numbers for Driedger were not fabulous. Of his three playoff games (the first ones of his career) last season, he had no wins, and his GAA ballooned to 3.70. A concerning part of his game that the Predators could hopefully chalk up to nerves.
Driedger could be a great fit in Nashville for next season and at a bargain price. With Saros taking the majority of the starts, Driedger would not be expected to carry the team but would give the coaching staff confidence in the position should Saros need a rest or become injured.