Adam Vingan

USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee

Uncertainty has been constant throughout Carter Hutton’s hockey-playing life.

As the Predators’ backup goaltender, his starts can be sporadic, often weeks apart. Before signing with the Predators three years ago, the undrafted Hutton was a professional nomad, bouncing from team to team and league to league before Nashville became his first permanent home.

Hutton, 30, has learned to live with that unpredictability, which he will experience again in the summer. Free agency awaits him next month, with his two-year contract, the first multiyear deal of his NHL career, about to run out.

“The unknown starts now,” Hutton said at the end of the season. "It’s something I’ve been through numerous times now. Obviously, this situation is a lot different than years past. I’ve kind of established myself and had a pretty strong year. Obviously, I play in a tough situation here. That’s my job. … I love Nashville. I want to be in Nashville, so hopefully we can figure something out here to make me stay.”

Pekka Rinne encouraged by strong finish to season

In 15 starts and 17 appearances this season, Hutton was 7-5-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He was sturdy in a limited capacity, even starting consecutive games in February over partner Pekka Rinne and sparking conversation about whether he deserved more playing time.

“We’re going to see if we can work something out there,” Predators general manager David Poile said last month, addressing Hutton. “He does have options."

Hutton’s agent said in an email last week that “both sides have interest in Carter returning to Nashville,” but there are several variables at play. Among them is the opportunity for Hutton to receive a larger workload, which will continue to be a difficult proposition with Rinne being one of the NHL’s leaders among goaltenders in games played.

"I feel in a way sometimes that I’m just kind of scratching the surface a bit,” Hutton said. "In years past when I get to play, I’ve been successful. Obviously, playing with (Rinne) is amazing. He’s helped me get better and better. ... We’re like best buddies. But at the same time, there’s a reason he’s the best in the world, and playing with him sometimes is tough to get more minutes and do that, but I understand my role here. There’s so much to weigh.”

Predators' Mattias Ekholm added to Sweden's World Cup roster

The Predators also must decide if their top goaltending prospects are ready for regular NHL duty. Marek Mazanec, 24, has spent most of the past three seasons playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and could replace Hutton, if need be. Juuse Saros, 21, was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team this season, but would probably be best served by remaining with the Admirals for at least another year.

Hutton sees free agency as another opportunity to prove himself as a valuable addition to an NHL roster, a challenge that he’s faced and met throughout his career.

“You’re always fighting and battling to try to get better,” Hutton said. "It’s definitely something I’m used to. Something in a way you never get used to, the unknown. It can be intimidating at the same time, but exciting. It’s a little bit of both. We’ll see how this plays out."

Predators sign goaltender: On Wednesday the Predators signed Swedish goaltender Jonas Gunnarsson to a one-year, entry-level contract. Gunnarsson, 24, has spent the past two seasons playing in the Swedish Hockey League, appearing in 44 games for the Malmo Redhawks last season with a 2.47 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

Reach Adam Vingan on Twitter @AdamVingan.

CARTER HUTTON FILE

Age: 30

Career starts with Predators: 66

Career statistics with Predators: 33-23-12, 2.55 goals-against average, .910 save percentage, four shutouts

This season: 7-5-4, 2.33 GAA, .918 save percentage

Current contract: Two years, $1.45 million



