History of Juuse Saros in Timeline

Juuse Saros, nicknamed "Juice", is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He was drafted by the Predators in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL entry draft. Saros is known for his exceptional athleticism and quickness in the net, making him a key player for the Predators.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 1995: Juuse Saros Born

In April 1995, Juuse Saros was born in Forssa, Finland, to parents Pekka and Leila.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Playoff Start

In the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, Juuse Saros was tapped as the starter for Game 1 breaking Rinne's run of 89 consecutive playoff starts since 2010, the second-longest active streak behind Henrik Lundqvist.

2011: Saros Played with the HPK Jr. team

During his 2011–12 season with the HPK Jr. team in the U18 SM-sarja, Saros maintained a 2.53 goals against average (GAA) and .910 save percentage (SV) through 31 games.

2012: Represented Finland at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2012, Saros represented Team Finland at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships as a backup goaltender. In August 2012, he represented Team Finland at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, helping them win a silver medal.

2012: Saros Returned to HPK Jr. Team

In 2012, Saros returned to the HPK Jr. team for the 2012–13 season.

2012: Silver Medal at Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament

In 2012, Saros won a silver medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament representing Finland.

2013: Saros Honored as Best Goaltender

In 2013, Saros was named the best player in the league and awarded the Jorma Valtonen Award as the league's top goaltender. He was also named the tournament's Best Goaltender at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships and recognized locally as Hämeenlinna's Male Athlete of the Year.

2013: Saros Drafted by Nashville Predators

In 2013, Saros was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round (99th overall) of the NHL entry draft.

2013: Bronze Medal at IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2013, Saros won a bronze medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships, and was named the tournament's Best Goaltender. He was also recognized locally as Hämeenlinna's Male Athlete of the Year.

2013: Reference to Previous Seasons

In the 2019-2020 season, through 18 games by the end of December, Juuse Saros was on pace for 34 starts, the most by any of Rinne's partners since the 2013-2014 season.

June 2014: Saros Began Mandatory Military Service

In June 2014, Saros began his mandatory military service in Finland but was temporarily allowed to compete in USA Hockey's National Junior Evaluation Camp.

2014: Filip Forsberg Made All-Rookie Team

Filip Forsberg was the second Predators player to be named to the All-Rookie Team since Filip Forsberg in 2014–15.

2014: Saros Returned to HPK

In 2014, Saros returned to the HPK for his second professional season.

2014: Gold Medal at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2014, Saros won a gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with Team Finland.

2014: Saros Joins Nashville Predators Organization

In 2014, after the conclusion of 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.

2014: Saros Signed with the Nashville Predators

Upon concluding the 2014–15 season in Finland, Saros signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators.

November 2015: Saros Recalled to NHL Level

In November 2015, Saros was recalled to the NHL level and subsequently made his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres, losing 4-1.

2015: Saros Drafted by Dinamo Minsk

In 2015, Saros was drafted by the Dinamo Minsk in the 2015 Kontinental Hockey League Draft.

October 2016: Saros Earns First NHL Win

In October 2016, Saros earned his first emergency callup of the season on October 22nd and made his NHL season debut the following day. Saros made 34 saves in his first NHL win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 23rd 2016.

December 2016: Saros Earns First NHL Shutout

On December 30, 2016, Saros earned his first career NHL shutout in his seventh NHL game by making 25 saves against the St. Louis Blues.

2016: Silver Medal at IIHF World Championships

In 2016, Saros won a silver medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championships playing for Finland.

December 2017: Saros Sets Franchise Record for Saves in a Shutout

In December 2017, Saros recorded a career-best 43 saves in a 5–2 win over the Dallas Stars on December 5th. On December 14th 2017, Saros beat his career-high by setting a franchise record for the most saves in a shutout, recording 46 saves during the 4–0 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

2017: Saros Makes NHL Postseason Debut

In 2017, Saros made his NHL postseason debut during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals after Rinne was pulled.

2018: Saros Becomes Full-Time Starter for Predators

In 2018, Saros became the Predators' new full-time starter following an injury to Pekka Rinne.

2018: Saros Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2018, Saros concluded the 2017–18 regular season with an 11–5–7 record and was named to the All-Rookie Team.

2018: Contract Extension

On 16 July 2018, following their elimination from the 2018 playoffs, Juuse Saros signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract extension to remain with the Predators.

2019: Career High Games

During the 2019-2020 season, Juuse Saros played a then career-high 40 games.

2019: Stanley Cup Playoffs Berth

On March 25, 2019, Juuse Saros made 29 saves in a win over the Minnesota Wild, helping the Predators clinch a berth in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.

2020: NHL Season

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various changes were made to the NHL's schedule for the 2020–21 season.

January 2021: Delayed Season

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL's 2020–21 season was delayed until January 13, 2021, and shortened to 56 games.

July 2021: Rinne's Retirement

In July 2021, Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL, making Juuse Saros the default starter for the new season.

August 2021: Contract Extension

On August 16, 2021, as a restricted free agent, Juuse Saros signed a four-year, $20 million extension with the Predators.

2021: Saros Becomes Engaged

In 2021, Saros became engaged to his longtime girlfriend Minna Varis.

2022: Vezina Trophy Favorite

Due to his success in the previous season, Saros was named an early favourite to win the Vezina at the start of the 2022–23 season.

2022: All-Star Game Selection

In the 2021-2022 season, Juuse Saros was selected for the 2022 National Hockey League All-Star Game.

January 2023: Franchise Record Saves

On January 5, 2023, Juuse Saros made a franchise-record 64 saves in the Predators' 5–3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

July 2023: Saros Gets Married

In July 2023, Saros married his longtime girlfriend Minna Varis.

December 2023: Surpassing Vokoun

On December 21, 2023, Juuse Saros surpassed Tomáš Vokoun for second place on the franchise's all-time win list with his 163rd NHL win against the Philadelphia Flyers.