Nečas could be traded to Nashville for Saros, speculation overseas. But is the Finnish goalie up for grabs?

Fans of the best hockey league in the world have the date March 8 circled in red on their calendar. That’s the day the NHL sets the trade deadline. The Czechs could also be in the game for possible trades. Overseas, Martin Nečas from Carolina is also part of the speculation, and the Nashville Predators might be interested in him.

But why would the Hurricanes sacrifice their elite forward? If there’s an answer, it’s in the crease. Carolina could acquire Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros. At least, that’s what one of Sportsnet’s respected overseas experts, Elliotte Friedman, suggested.

If Carolina has reserves anywhere in the lineup, it’s in the crease. They’ve already rotated four goalies in the number one position this season. Russian goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has gotten the biggest share of games, having played thirty games with a 91.01 percent save percentage and 2.36 goals allowed per game.

Finnish masked man Antti Randa started twenty-four games, but his stats don’t look too reliable. Frederik Andersen has played six games and Spencer Martin has started four times in goal.

Hurricanes weakness in the crease

Carolina is already a virtually sure participant in the playoffs and would like to be among the top favorites in the fight for the Stanley Cup. But as the saying goes, you need a goalie who will stand on his head and be in the form of his life for the playoffs. And the Hurricanes don’t seem to have that guy on the roster right now.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reflected on who could fill that position, but also what Carolina would have to sacrifice for it. Juuse Saros of Nashville offers himself in that connection. While the 28-year-old Finn is still under contract with the Predators for next year, there is already speculation if Nashville will be willing to make an adequate offer.

Saros has been one of the NHL’s best goalies in recent years, and his new contract will certainly be significantly higher than the current $5 million per year. In addition, there are whispers that if general manager Barry Trotz were to let the Finnish goalie go, he would want to acquire an elite forward in return who will elevate the Predators’ offensive power.

Is Saros even in the game?

Nečas is reportedly tradeable, racking up 42 points on 18 goals and 24 assists in 53 games this season. So, if Nashville desires a productive forward and the Hurricanes desire an elite goaltender, trading Nečas for Saros would make sense.

The question, however, is whether Saros is really on his way out. Some sources are saying that he himself has asked for a trade. However, based on Saros’ earlier statements, it seems that the Finnish goalie is interested in continuing in Nashville. Barry Trotz also expressed the same sentiment a few months ago.

If the situation has changed, it remains in the realm of speculation at the moment. Even Carolina has not publicly stated anywhere that Martin Necas is on the trade list. The Hurricanes, however, need a goalie like salt. And if a potential deal makes sense for both sides, defacto anything can happen.

Source: NHL, The Hockey News