Predators, franchise goalie Juuse Saros agree to terms on an 8-year contract, AP source says

The Nashville Predators have agreed to terms on the framework of an eight-year contract extension with franchise goaltender Juuse Saros, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal cannot be signed until Monday.

Reports indicated the deal is worth just under $62 million, which would make his salary cap hit roughly $7.74 million through the 2032-33 NHL season. Saros finished fifth in Vezina Trophy voting as the league’s top netminder after backstopping Nashville to the playoffs.

The 29-year-old from Finland has been among the best goalies in hockey over the past five-plus seasons, from playing in tandem with countryman Pekka Rinne to succeeding him as the Predators' starter. The past two years, he has played the most games, seen the most shots and made the most saves.

Saros in 350 regular-season games, 333 starts, has a 2.63 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.

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Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press