The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly considering addressing their ongoing goaltending issues, with Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros emerging as a potential target. The current goalie situation for Detroit involves Ville Husso’s uncertain return, leading to a rotation between James Reimer, Alex Lyon, and Michael Hutchinson, which has not been effective overall.
Juuse Saros, a fourth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, has been a standout for the Predators, often considered their second-best goalie after Pekka Rinne. The Red Wings see Saros as a solution to their goaltending challenges, aiming to secure a playoff spot. While Saros could bring stability and skill, acquiring him from Nashville is expected to come at a cost.
The potential trade package could involve sending either Husso, Reimer, or Hutchinson to Nashville, along with one or two prospects and corresponding draft picks. The author suggests that Detroit’s General Manager, Steve Yzerman, known for making savvy deals, could navigate this trade successfully without giving up significant assets.
Saros, currently 16-13-1 in the season, has a contract through 2025-26 with an average annual value (AAV) of $5 million. With an impressive career record and multiple All-Star appearances, Saros is seen as an instant upgrade for the Red Wings in the goaltending department.
If Yzerman successfully orchestrates this trade, it could lead to a restructuring of the Red Wings’ goaltending depth chart. In this hypothetical scenario, Husso might go to Nashville, Reimer could be released or traded, and Hutchinson might return to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins. This would leave Detroit with a goaltending tandem of Lyon and Saros, potentially strengthening their chances of winning games.
Saros, known for his quick reflexes and agility despite being a smaller goaltender, is considered an experienced and reliable option for Detroit. His size is not seen as a significant issue, given his success in both regular-season and playoff games. The addition of Saros could bring new energy to the Red Wings and potentially contribute to a playoff push, helping the team remain competitive in the Atlantic Division.
While the likelihood of such a trade remains uncertain, the author believes that acquiring Saros could be a transformative move for the Detroit Red Wings, providing them with a top-tier goaltender who could positively impact the team’s trajectory.
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