The Toronto Maple Leafs’ search for a top-tier starting goalie is no secret to anyone. Unless Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz wins a Vezina Trophy, the team will be in constant search of a true number-one netminder.
While such goalies are rarely on the market, one could become available. Specifically, the team in question could be the Nashville Predators and the goalie Juuse Saros.
The Predators are desperately attempting to hold onto playoff hopes. They have a talented, if aging, veteran core. The Predators could have a fire sale this season if things go south for them in a hurry in 2025-26.
Saros, with his massive extension kicking in, could become one of the first pieces to go. The Preds could be eager to shed his cap hit amid a possibly prolonged rebuild. So, here’s a look at what this proposed trade could look like:
Maple Leafs get:
Juuse Saros, G
Predators get:
Joseph Woll, G
Nick Robertson, F
2028 first-round pick
2027 second-round pick
The Maple Leafs would need to clear up a goalie spot. That makes Joseph Woll the likely candidate to go. He’s under contract for three seasons at a reasonable $3.66 million cap hit. The Predators could use a relatively young goalie to backstop the team during a rebuild.
Nick Robertson would be a throw-in. He could get a solid opportunity to play a top-six role in a rebuilding club. The two draft picks would be the cost of doing business. The Leafs would have to give up their 2028 first-rounder, as they don’t have one for 2026 and 2027.
Why Saros Could Be a Good Fit for Maple Leafs
Despite having a relatively down season in 2024-25, Juuse Saros remains one of the top goalies in the NHL. The subpar season could have been more the result of the team playing in front of him than his poor performance.
That’s why, assuming the Maple Leafs play better defense than the Predators, Saros could return to the form that made him a Vezina finalist in 2022. The Finnish netminder provides stability and consistently solid performances.
Assuming that he would be sharing the crease with Anthony Stolarz, the duo could split the starts, with Saros getting the lion’s share. Doing so will be important as the packed schedule of the 2025-26 season will demand teams to roll out more than one goalie.
Moreover, keeping Saros rested will be crucial for the Maple Leafs as they head into the postseason.
Saros Could Be the Goalie to Lead Toronto on Long Playoff Run
Speaking of the postseason, Juuse Saros could be just the goalie to lead the Maple Leafs on a long playoff run. While Saros hasn’t led his team on a prolonged postseason campaign, again, that’s not necessarily a reflection on his inability to carry his team.
The Maple Leafs, with the talented core and potentially solid depth, could be the right combination for both Saros and the club to finally get over the hump.
Above all, having a proven number-one goalie in the crease could be a mental boost for the Leafs. Knowing they have a netminder they can rely on could provide plenty of confidence heading into the regular season and beyond.
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