MAJOR: Vezina Finalist Traded to Montreal?
Due to the meteoric rise of young goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, it's widely believed that Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz would be willing to part ways with Juuse Saros. Indeed, rumors suggest that the New Jersey Devils are highly interested in acquiring the 28-year-old goalie.
However, according to former TVA Sports host Louis Jean, the Montreal Canadiens could also be involved in this situation. He's convinced that Kent Hughes might consider this opportunity to finally secure a true number one goalie.
«Journalists have discussed the future plans of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, in particular. Rainville is aware that to win, it takes two goalies and he asked Louis Jean if the CH might be interested in Juuse Saros.
His answer: yes.» - Raphaël Simard
We're talking about one of the best goalies in the NHL, who finished fourth in the voting for the Vezina Trophy last season, awarded to the league's best goalie.
Moreover, according to revelations made by Elliotte Friedman on his podcast "32 Thoughts", the chances of Juuse Saros changing teams by the trade deadline are 50/50.
Statistics of Juuse Saros over the last four seasons:
ˇ 2020-2021: Record of 21-11-1 | Goals Against Average of 2.28 | Save Percentage of .927
ˇ 2021-2022: Record of 38-25-3 | Goals Against Average of 2.64 | Save Percentage of .918
ˇ 2022-2023: Record of 33-23-7 | Goals Against Average of 2.69 | Save Percentage of .919
ˇ 2023-2024: Record of 22-21-2 | Goals Against Average of 2.97 | Save Percentage of .904
It's somewhat ironic considering Kent Hughes received a trade offer involving Yaroslav Askarov during the last draft. Imagine if, instead of acquiring the Preds' prospect, the Montreal Canadiens go after his teammate.
There's no doubt that adding a goalie like Juuse Saros would completely change the game for the Canadiens, potentially forming a formidable duo with Samuel Montembeault. He currently has an annual salary of five million dollars, lasting until the end of next season.
Obviously, the price to complete such a transaction would be very high, but it would provide the CH with a successor to Carey Price.
This will certainly be a situation to watch in the coming days!
| POLL |
24 FEVRIER | 679 ANSWERS MAJOR: Vezina Finalist Traded to Montreal? Do you think the Canadiens should go after Saros? |
| Yes | 372 | 54.8 % |
| No | 307 | 45.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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