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Breaking: Kevin Lankinen Drops Bombshell About Nashville Predators Future as Barry Trotz Faces Critical Juuse Saros Dilemma
Barry Trotz, general manager of the Nashville Predators, is most concerned about the team’s goaltender situation as they enter the offseason.
Though the majority of attention will be on Juuse Saros, whether Trotz contracts him to a long-term contract or moves him for assets, what they do with his backup, Kevin Lankinen, is just as crucial.
Lankinen, who finished the season with an 11-6-0 record and started 17 games for Nashville, is a free agent this summer. He performed admirably as the Predators’ backup goalie, blocking 90.8% of the shots he faced and ended with 3.0 goals saved above average.
On Tuesday, Lankinen talked about the prospect of staying in Nashville after this season, something he claims to be exploring.
It’s no secret that Lankinen adores this place. “The coaching group. The group that’s in the changing area. the actual city. Incredible, excellent.”
However, Lankinen, who turned 29 this past weekend, has only started 101 games in his career, so he is aware that this may be his chance to return to the free agent market.
Lankinen continued, “At the same time, so much to think about.” “So many decisions to be made. Without a doubt, Nashville would top the list.”
What transpires with Juuse Saros will determine Kevin Lankinen’s future in Nashville.
Nashville’s goalie situation is intricate. Saros inked a four-year, $20 million contract in 2021, and he is set to enter the final year of it. On July 1st, he becomes eligible for a contract extension, and Trotz stated that their top goalie would want to go that route.
Trotz expressed his desire for Saros to be present on Tuesday. “We’re going to put in a lot of effort to work with him.”
However, Yaroslav Askarov, the team’s best goaltender prospect, should also be taken into account. Askarov, who plays for the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville’s affiliate, recently concluded his second season in the American Hockey League (AHL). After two seasons with the Admirals, he has a 56-27-6 record and is ready to make the move to the NHL.
With his goaltenders, Trotz has reached a crossroads. Is Saros a long-term signee? Does he hang onto Saros for the last year and use Askarov as support? Alternatively, does he sign Lankinen as a stopgap until Askarov is prepared for a full-time role and move Saros?
Lankinen will have to wait till Trotz makes that call. As a free agent, Lankinen acknowledges that he is prepared to hunt elsewhere in the interim.
When it comes to signing with Nashville, Lankinen remarked, “I haven’t given that much thought or emphasis yet.” “In the next weeks, I’ll begin researching that. Have some conversations, but I’ll remain receptive. Discover what’s available.”
After signing a one-year, $1.5 million contract in 2022, Lankinen just completed a one-year, $2 million pact with the Predators, receiving a little salary increase. For his next contract, he’s probably looking for greater money and longer terms.
“I believe that the opportunities that are supposed to be there will show up, whatever it is,” Lankinen stated.
