Rumor: Predators nearly traded Juuse Saros to Stanley Cup contender

The Nashville Predators made a pretty big move prior to the NHL trade deadline this season, shipping veteran Mattias Ekholm to the Edmonton Oilers just days before the deadline.

They also shipped out veterans Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter as well and made a surprising deal shipping 25 year old forward Tanner Jeannot to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, it's the trade that the Predators DIDN'T make that may have been the biggest though. In Friedman's latest 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, he reports that the Predators and the Los Angeles Kings had discussions about a potential trade for perennial Vezina Trophy candidate and one of the best goaltenders in the NHL Juuse Saros.

From Friedman:

I do think Los Angeles made an exploratory call to Nashville about Juuse Saros. The Predators look rejuvenated post-deadline — some youthful energy helps — and, surprisingly, have a path to the playoffs. Big challenge, but playoff chases are what everyone wants.

- Elliotte Friedman

Honestly, I know the Preds are in a bit of a re-tool right now but they would be absolutely insane to trade Saros. The guy is just 27 years old and is signed for just $5 million for the next two seasons. With Saros the Predators have arguably one of the best goaltenders in the league on arguably one of the best contracts in the league. Unless a team is willing to offer up the world in a trade, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of moving a player of his value. Smart move by David Poile and the newly hired Barry Trotz to rebuff any Saros offers.