Fans are second-guessing the long-term contract for Juuse Saros which kicks in starting next season, but last night in a gutsy 2-1 win over the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets, Saros showed flashes of his Vezina Trophy level skills.
Not a single player for the Predators this season has lived up to their personal standards, and Saros is no different. He has been incredibly streaky and hasn't been able to put the superman cape on to save the Predators who lack consistent goal scoring.
In Thursday's home win over the Jets that ended their 11-game winning streak, the Predators showed grit and determination to secure the victory and earn a rare standing ovation from the Bridgestone Arena fans.
Saros has started three games out of the Four Nations Face-Off which he played in for Finland, and in his three starts he has surrendered six goals against some of the NHL's most prolific offensive teams. He got just five goals of support in those three starts, so the margin for error for Saros remains razor thin.
Nashville Predators end Jets' 11-game win streak, Saros gets Top Star of the game
This was vintage Nashville Predators physicality, winning in the trenches and getting a clutch performance from Saros between the pipes. This culminated with the Predators killing off a 5-on-3 Jets power play that saw guys leaving their bodies on the line and Saros stepping up to make difficult save after difficult save.
It's unclear how General Manager Barry Trotz is going to approach the trade deadline. All we know is he's going to have to sell pretty heavy, but as we've come to know, Trotz is always a wildcard.
As much as it's coming to grips with reality that the Predators are going to be a rebuilding team for the next couple years more than likely, it's good to know that they can still build around Saros and also their backup Justus Annunen.
I realize some fans aren't going to agree with my stance here and they're ready to jump ship on Saros and regretting that seven-year contract. This team has a boat load of problems, and Saros isn't even in the top-5. The first and most major deficiency is speed and raw offensive talent. To address that, you have to move on from some aging veterans, get faster and find a true No.1 center.
Unfortunately, getting a top line center isn't going to be an easy task. It may take years unless a top center emerges out of the prospect ranks, or if the Predators land that top-3 draft pick this upcoming offseason. I don't see them finding one in free agency anytime soon.
To go back to Saros, he's still the franchise goalie to build around. He gets the worst goal support among all goalies. A shattered defensive corps in front of Saros hasn't helped matters. Starting building a better roster in front of Saros as this seven-year contract kicks in next season.
Sure, if we had a time machine then maybe we trade Saros and keep Yaroslav Askarov. Playing Monday Morning Quarterback is pointless and this front office can't live in the past. Saros is here to stay, and there's certainly many more worse goalies to be hitched too for the long-term than Juuse Saros. Full stop on that one.
With the 23-save win over the Jets on Thursday, Saros has his season save percentage back up to 90. Nothing spectacular and well below his career save percentage of .915, but again, no individual on this year's Predators team is playing up to their capable level.
Saros has 22 Quality Starts according to Hockey Reference, which is also below his career average. If you're for some silver linings to watch for rest of the season where the playoffs aren't possible, then seeing Saros finish the season strong would be very uplifting.
Find a way to build around Saros for the long-term future with him being signed the next seven years. Whether you like it or not, that's really your only choice. Trading him is something I would agree with right now and would be jumping the gun too soon.