Predators, Juuse Saros closing in on eight-year contract extension, per report

LAS VEGAS − The Nashville Predators and Juuse Saros appear to be close on an eight-year contract extension, according to a report Thursday from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Friedman said the two parties are "closing in on an eight-year extension," adding that Saros "clearly wants to stay."

Friedman said the dollar amount on the extension is not clear, but the average annual value is "apparently in the 7s" − meaning it's between $7 and $8 million per year. This is a lower figure than the previously reported amount between $8 and $8.5 million.

According to another report from The Athletic's Chris Johnston, the average annual value will be $7.74 million "once it's filed on Monday."

Though nothing can be made official until July 1, general manager Barry Trotz and Saros' agent met on Thursday, apparently to iron out the final details of the contract.

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This report from Friedman aligns with what Trotz told the Tennessean on Thursday, that he is not planning on trading Saros or goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov this weekend during the NHL draft.

Saros, 29, is already signed through the 2024-25 season for $5 million. Any contract extension would take effect starting in 2025-26.

Through 333 career starts, Saros has a 182-119-32 record with a career .917 save percentage. He took over as the Predators' top goaltender after Pekka Rinne retired in 2021. Last season, Saros started 64 games for the Predators.