Juuse Saros
Juuse Saros (born 19 April 1995), nicknamed "Juice", is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Saros was selected by the Predators in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
| Juuse Saros | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saros with the Nashville Predators in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals | |||
| Born |
19 April 1995 Forssa, Finland | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Catches | Left | ||
| NHL team Former teams |
Nashville Predators HPK | ||
| National team | Finland | ||
| NHL Draft |
99th overall, 2013 Nashville Predators | ||
| Playing career | 2013–present | ||
Growing up in Finland, Saros played his entire youth career and first three professional seasons with his hometown club, HPK of the Liiga. Upon concluding the 2014–15 season, Saros joined the Nashville Predators organization in North America and was immediately assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. Saros found early success with the Admiral and was added to the AHL All-Rookie Team and the AHL All-Star Game. Upon joining the Predators full time in 2018, he became the Predators' new full-time starter following an injury to Pekka Rinne. He finished his rookie season with a 17–10–2 record, a 2.62 goals against average, and a .915 save percentage.
Internationally, Saros has represented Finland at both the junior and senior levels at various tournaments. He has won a silver medal at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, a bronze medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships, and a gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the 2013 tournament, Saros was named the tournament's Best Goaltender and was later recognized locally as Hämeenlinna's Male Athlete of the Year. At the senior level, Saros has won two silver medals at the 2014 and 2016 IIHF World Championships.