Predators Recall AHL Goaltender As Team Rests Juuse Saros

It’s been 1,065 days since Nashville Predators goaltender Troy Grosenick last played in the NHL.

With the Predators having already clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Grosenick just may see some NHL ice time in the team’s final three games of the regular season after it announced Grosenick had been recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL as Nashville’s starting goalie Juuse Saros will sit out Friday’s game at Chicago (Kevin Lankinen is expected to start).

Though he’s 34, Grosenick has very limited NHL experience. He has a 2-2-0 record with a 2.27 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in four appearances with the San Jose Sharks (2014) and Los Angeles Kings (2021).

However, Grosenick is one of the top goaltenders in the AHL. He has a 17-7-1 record with a .907 save percentage and 2.56 GAA while splitting time with top Predators prospect Yaroslav Askarov.

He’s tied for 14th in shutouts (2), 16th in GAA and 18th in wins. This season is Grosenick’s second stint with the Predators/Admirals. He spent two years with the organization from 2018 to 2020, dressing for a game with the Predators and 79 with the Admirals, in which he compiled a 44-23-9 record with a .919 save percentage and 2.35 GAA.

It’s not known if the Predators plan to rest Saros for more than Just Friday’s game in Chicago. If they do, there’s a good chance Grosenick will start one of the team’s final two game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at home on Saturday or in Pittsburgh on Monday.

Saros has started 62 games this season, his third straight year with 62 or more starts. He ranks fifth in the NHL in wins (34), eighth in save percentage (.907) and goals-against average (2.82). The 28-year-old Finn has had a sub-3.00 GAA every season in which he’s started multiple games.

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