Predators Answer Backup Goalie Question With Scott Wedgewood

For months, it was unclear how the Nashville Predators would approach their future at goaltender.

Those questions have seemingly been answered.

Former Dallas Stars goalie Scott Wedgewood has signed a two-year deal with the Predators worth $1.5 million per season, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli. Wedgewood is expected to serve as the backup to Juuse Saros, who has reportedly agreed to an eight-year contract extension to be Nashville’s long-term starter.

Wedgwood went 16-7-5 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in 32 appearances during the 2023-24 season. From mid-December to late January, he helped Dallas continue to win games without starter and NHL All-Star Jake Oettinger, who missed time due to a groin injury.

The New Jersey Devils drafted Wedgewood in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. The 31-year-old has since been packaged in three separate trades, signed as a free agent four times and claimed off waivers once.

Wedgewood holds a 48-48-22 career record with a 2.98 GAA and .906 save percentage in 130 games across his time in Arizona, Dallas and New Jersey. Those numbers stack up well against Nashville’s previous backup Kevin Lankinen, who hit unrestricted free agency Monday.

Lankinen compiled a 45-43-12 career record, 3.07 GAA and .905 save percentage in 112 career games, including 43 appearances with the Predators over the last two seasons.

Wedgewood’s arrival likely means Yaroslav Askarov is destined to spend another season in the American Hockey League with the Milwaukee Admirals, barring an injury or Nashville finding a willing trade partner for its prized goalie prospect.

For now, the Predators will maintain the depth they enjoyed last season with Saros, Lankinen and Askarov. General manager Barry Trotz could opt to use the team’s netminder surplus as ammunition to help Nashville acquire more talent at other positions as the organization loads up for a potential Stanley Cup run.

Follow Russell Vannozzi on X/Twitter @RussellV_MSP.

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