But unlike three months ago, it doesn’t sound impossible. Will Saros move before March 8? Not likely. Askarov was involved in a few trade conversations in June at the draft in Nashville when the Predators attempted to move up into the top five picks unsuccessfully. Of course, it could be Askarov who moves eventually instead if Nashville extends Saros this summer as planned. It needs to be a young, front-line NHL player for the Predators to get into a Saros trade conversation.Īnd don’t forget, the Preds believe strongly that 2020 first-round pick Yaroslav Askarov has the goods (.926 save percentage in AHL this season) to be a stud NHL starter. An example of a conversation that might move the needle, and this is just theoretical to illustrate what’s at play, but if the Kings started a conversation with Quinton Byfield as part of a package, that would get Nashville’s attention. A low first-round pick(s) from a contender isn’t going to move the needle. What the Predators don’t want is draft picks only. And the fact you could get him for at least two playoff runs would also be mighty appealing.īut will a team step up in a meaningful way? Saros hasn’t been his normal self this year, but who’s kidding who: He would top any contender’s wish list looking for a serious goalie upgrade. That doesn’t mean the call would lead to a trade, but the Preds feel they have to at least listen and consider the possibility.

Because of that, my understanding is that Trotz won’t hang up the phone if a team makes a serious, serious offer for the 28-year-old Saros. What’s changed is the market itself, with a need for goaltending help in several spots. That is likely still the path forward for Nashville. We’re obviously in a little bit of a re-tool type of situation and when we get reset here, I’d like him to be part of the backbone.” This was his response: “When it comes to Saros, my intentions are: I met with his agent.

When I last saw Preds general manager Barry Trotz, at the November GM meetings in Toronto, I asked him about Saros’ future.

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