Nashville Predators’ Goaltending Decisions
In the wake of their 2024 decisions regarding goaltending, the Nashville Predators are grappling with a series of moves that have not aged well. A notable highlight was the franchise’s decision to extend Juuse Saros, locking him in with an eight-year, $61.92 million deal, despite having 2020 first-round draft choice Yaroslav Askarov poised to eventually succeed him.
Askarov’s Development
Askarov, selected 11th overall by Nashville, showcased his potential in his draft year with SKA-Neva, accruing a 12-3-3 record, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage. After spending two more seasons in Russian leagues, he joined the Milwaukee Admirals for a full-time stint in 2022-23, where he recorded a 26-16-5 record, a 2.69 goals-against average, and a .911 save percentage, splitting his time between Milwaukee and Nashville.
Controversial Moves
Heading into the 2024-25 season, alongside Saros’s extension, Nashville surprised many by signing Scott Wedgewood for two years, which did not sit well with Askarov. This decision led to conflict, prompting Askarov to request a trade and threaten to skip Admirals training camp if he was reassigned. The Predators subsequently traded him to the San Jose Sharks. Wedgewood, after only five games, was himself traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Justus Annunen.
Current Performances
Fast forward a year, both Askarov and Wedgewood have emerged as standout goaltenders, while Saros struggles to maintain the team’s performance, and Annunen is yet to secure a victory.
Askarov faced a challenging start to the season. However, by November, he flipped the narrative with a record of 7-1-0, sporting a .955 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average, following a rough prior month that saw him go 1-4-1 with critical ratios of .855 save percentage and 4.69 goals-against average. Notably, Askarov achieved three consecutive wins and posted five games with over 30 saves within the month. His eight wins exceed Nashville’s current total as a team and have significantly contributed to the Sharks’ rise in the Pacific Division standings.
Meanwhile, Wedgewood is enjoying an even more fruitful season, currently leading the NHL with 13 wins, ranking second in goals-against average at 2.09, and holding one of the league’s top save percentages at .918. With only one loss in regulation, his efforts have solidified Colorado’s dominance as the NHL leader, boasting a record of 16-1-5. If he continues this form, discussions around his potential inclusion in Team Canada or for the Vezina Trophy may be on the horizon.
Reflection on Decisions
Reflecting on these events, it is clear that Nashville’s early decisions regarding both Askarov and Wedgewood have become a source of regret, especially considering their stellar performances now, which highlight the Predators’ current struggles in goal.
The dissatisfaction for Askarov also ties back to the Saros contract, which has drawn trade speculation, yet difficulty finding interested suitors remains as teams hesitate to inherit a lengthy contract. Further complicating matters, the decision to trade Wedgewood seemed premature, especially as Annunen, who has yet to find success, was acquired.
Presently, Saros faces a hefty 476 shots this season, ranking fourth in the NHL, with 423 saves. His struggles manifest in a .889 save percentage amid a challenging season, as he navigates a struggling team in front of him. Annunen’s own troubles are evident, with an 0-3-1 record and abysmal numbers that place him among the league’s worst goaltenders.
