Vezina trophy finalist now on the trading block: Will he become a Maple Leaf?

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Graham Montgomery
January 19, 2024 (5:41 PM)

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Goaltending is arguably the most important position in hockey. A quality goaltender can single handedly change a team's fate, especially during the playoffs.

Similarly, poor goaltending can sink even elite teams, as we saw with the Oilers this season. Now one elite NHL goaltender could be available.

The Predators are not out of the playoff race by any means this year. However, the team is not exactly built for long-term success and as such, Barry Trotz will likely consider making moves that make sense from a long-term perspective. Arguably the most significant move he could make in this regard would be to trade Juuse Saros. Pierre Lebrun revealed today that this possibility is very real.

What's changed is the market itself, with a need for goaltending help in several spots. 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. 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.

Goaltender Market Could Increase Juuse Saros' Value

Saros has been right around league average this year with a .903 save percentage and a 2.97 goals-against-average. Its a far cry from his career stats of a .918 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against. However, he still has a stellar reputation as one of the best in the league and given how shallow the goaltender market it this year, he could garner plus value.

Several NHL teams are in dire need of help in net. If one of them makes an offer Trotz cannot refuse, it sounds like Saros could very well end up with a new team by the end of the season. Notably, he has another year left on his deal too, so he would not be a pure rental for any buyer. One such potential Buyer it the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are one of those teams that could use help in net. Martin Jones has been fine since being called up, but he has shown some cracks forming in recent games. Ilya Samsonov is more or less unproven at this point as he has only played one game since being waived. Joseph Woll remains out of the lineup as he recovers from an ankle injury.

All of this means the Leafs could be one of the teams in on Saros come the trade deadline. However, it seems as though it would likely take more than the Leafs are willing to offer to pry him away from Nashville. The Predators will likely be looking for multiple 1st round picks if not more. With the Way the Leafs have played this season, Brad Treliving may not be willing to make such a commitment.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily

New development has a Vezina Trophy finalist available on the trade market