When it comes to finding hidden-gem goaltenders in the NHL draft you will be hard pressed to find a team that does it better than the Nashville Predators. Former goalie coach Mitch Korn and current goalie coach Ben Vanderklok have had success mining the talents to players drafted in the later rounds.

Now Juuse Saros looks to be primed to be next in line.

Saros has some buzz surrounding him as me makes the leap from Finland for his first season in North America. He was named 2013-14 Finnish Elite League Rookie of the Year. He was drafted in the fourth round in 2013 and signed a three-year, entry-level contract in June of this year.

"Of course it's a much different game. It's a new challenge for me but I'm excited," Saros said Wednesday at the Predators development camp.

Saros played in 47 games last season in the Finnish Elite League. He had a 2.14 GAA and a save percentage of .929 on a team that was not one of the league's best. The Predators think so highly of Saros that they traded Magnus Hellberg, their top draft pick in 2011, to make room for him down in Milwaukee this season.

Saros will have to adjust to a smaller rink size and a change of lifestyle. Typically Milwaukee splits playing time equally between its two goaltenders but he will still face some completion from fellow prospect Marek Mazanec.

"You know of course there are some different angles because the rink is smaller so I think that's the biggest thing. I'm excited of course, everything is new so we will see."

Having countryman Pekka Rinne in the organization should help make the transition easier.

"Of course its good that I know someone here already. He's a Fin, so I think he can definitely help me a lot."

The Predators drafted Rinne in the eighth round in 2004 and he has since gone on to become a three time Vezina Trophy finalist and one of the best goaltenders in the world. Additionally, Nashville drafted Mazanec in the sixth round in 2012. Mazanec won eight games in 2013 for the Predators and was named Rookie of the Month in November of the same year.

Saros served as Rinne's backup for Finland at the World Championships earlier this year.

"We talked a little bit at the World Championships and a little bit when I came here and that was good for me."

In Saros' lone start of the tournament he stopped all 22 shots he faced against Slovakia. His shutout was Finland's third of four consecutive shutouts during the tournament. Saros credits facing NHL-caliber shooters at the World Championships in helping prepare him for the North American style of play.

"Of course they have harder shots and they are more accurate so that's a big challenge for me too but I think I'm fitting in just fine."

Similar to Rinne who made the jump to North American one year after being drafted, Saros knew that two years was long enough.

"I've played a lot the past two seasons and had two good seasons so I think this is a good time for me to come over."

-- By MICHAEL GALLAGHER

PostSports