Nashville Predators: Let the Reign of Juuse Saros Begin

Sometimes you just have a feeling that you may have experienced something for the last time, something that you hold dear. On May 10, 2021, when Pekka Rinne celebrated his shutout victory and took his skate around Bridgestone Arena for what would be the last of his career, there was not a dry eye in the arena. On that day, Nashville Predators fans witnessed the end of an era.

Obviously, Rinne hadn’t announced his retirement at that point, but fans had a feeling that the time had finally arrived. There was hope that he would re-sign with the Predators and make the 2021-22 season his last, but it was not meant to be.

It was tough to hear Rinne utter the words “I’m retiring,” but for the past couple of seasons, it was obvious that his time in the NHL was drawing to a close. It was also common knowledge that the plan had always been for Juuse Saros to take over for his friend and mentor.

A New Era Begins for the Nashville Predators

With Rinne’s departure after 15 seasons in the NHL, a new era begins on Thursday for the Predators. After several years as Rinne’s backup and protege, Saros starts his tenure as the franchise goaltender in Nashville as the Predators open their season against the Seattle Kraken.

For the last season and a half, Saros has gotten more starts and has shifted away from his backup goaltender role. He has also faced his share of criticism. Notorious for slow starts at the beginning of past seasons, more a product of the team in front of the net than Saros himself, he came on at the right time last year and carried the team to the playoffs.

During the epic push to the playoffs, we also heard whispers of Saros getting some Vezina Trophy consideration. Ultimately, he wasn’t chosen as one of the top three candidates, but he did receive some votes for the first time in his career.

Saros also garnered enough attention last season to receive some votes for the Hart Memorial Trophy. No doubt had Saros not been injured, and the Predators’ turnaround had happened a little sooner, he would have received serious consideration for both the Vezina and Hart Trophies.

With the whirlwind of last season behind him, all eyes are now on Saros as he looks to build on the momentum from last season. And from the looks of things, he hasn’t lost a step.

Saros looked crisp and very comfortable in net during training camp and preseason. He has shown no indication that he will not be able to pick up where he left off last season. A very good sign as this young Predators team will be looking to him to have a banner year and be a leader on the team.

"“Juice is an amazing goalie, and I think he showed it last year. He was the best goalie towards the end of the season, the last 20 to 30 games, and I thought he was the best goalie in the League. He was amazing for us, and he was the biggest reason we made it into the playoffs. He was so good, and we know he’s going to step up this year. He’s going to be our number one goalie, and he’s going to have an amazing year.”-Brooks Bratten Interview with Roman Josi"

Life After Rinne

A lot has happened to Saros since Nashville’s season ended with a disappointing exit from the NHL playoffs. In an interview with the Predators’ Communication Coordinator, Brooks Bratten, Saros said that he moved to Helsinki in the offseason and became engaged to his fiancee. But, of course, we can’t overlook the signing of his multi-year deal with the Predators worth $20M.

But the biggest adjustment that Saros may face this season will be the absence of Rinne on and off the ice. Rinne’s absence from the team will take some getting used to.

A brand new season is upon us, and if there is one thing that is certain in the NHL, there is always change. The Predators are at a crossroads and start this season without, arguably, the biggest name ever to wear a Nashville sweater. But, the good news is Saros is cut from the same cloth and will do everything in his power to make his mentor proud.