Nashville Predators: Top Free Agent Goalies If Rinne Retires

May 10, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) celebrates with teammates after a shutout win in what could be his final home game as a starter against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) celebrates with teammates after a shutout win in what could be his final home game as a starter against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
(Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports)

Today, Saros is the man in Nashville. His play in the last half of the season and the playoffs was legendary. He raised his game to a level that would have garnered him serious Vezina Trophy consideration had he avoided injury during the regular season.

However, Saros is notorious for getting off to a slow start early in the season. While Saros can pin some of his woes on the teams in front of him in previous seasons, a loss is a loss.

This upcoming season will test whether or not Saros is truly ready to take the baton from Rinne. However, having Rinne around for one final season as a backup to help him in this journey would be great for Saros’ career.

However, if Rinne does retire, the Predators will need another goaltender capable of helping the team stay afloat if the need arises.

Signing Rinne for one final season is what fans everywhere are hoping for. But, if that is not possible, the Predators need to move quickly to secure a top-notch backup.

When the time comes, it will be tough to see a goaltender on the team other than Rinne. However, changes are happening in Nashville. If the Predators are serious about becoming legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, a quality backup at goaltender and confidence in both the starter and the backup is a must.