Predators' restricted free agents: How much should Juuse Saros, Ryan Hartman, Miikka Salomaki cost?

In terms of expiring contracts, the Predators' summer should be relatively simple.

Their three pending unrestricted free agents — Mike Fisher, Scott Hartnell and Alexei Emelin — won't be returning, and their three restricted free agents shouldn't break the bank.

How much should those restricted free agents earn on their next contracts? Here are profiles on each player, including projected cap hits from analytics guru Matt Cane:

Juuse Saros

Cane's projection: $2.43 million annual cap hit

Arbitration: Not eligible

Career statistics: 21-14-10, 2.42 goals-against average, .923 save percentage

When the NHL unveils its all-rookie team next month, Saros should be on it.

Saros’ promising season (2.44 GAA, .925 save percentage and three shutouts in 23 starts) strengthened his case to be Pekka Rinne’s eventual successor. Rinne, 35, has one year left on his contract.

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The Predators, who intend to give Saros more playing time next season, have had success signing players on expiring entry-level contracts to long-term deals. But a bridge contract might be a better option here, letting Saros further prove himself before committing to him as Rinne's replacement.

In that case, an annual cap hit in the $2 million to $2.5 million range seems reasonable.

"We're extremely fortunate to have a young guy like Juuse here who continues to impress us," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said earlier this month. "As we moved through the season, we were able to find more games for (Saros), and that could very well be the same thing next year."

Ryan Hartman

Cane's projection: $1.75 million annual cap hit

Arbitration: Not eligible

Career statistics: 30 goals, 63 points in 162 games

The hefty cost to acquire Hartman on Feb. 26, a package that included a first-round draft pick next month and forward prospect Victor Ejdsell, set high expectations for the 23-year-old.

Hartman had his moments but struggled to make a consistent impact. A torn labrum probably played a factor.

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"(Laviolette) said to him in the exit meeting, 'The cupboard is open, so when you come to training camp, take whatever you want,' " Predators general manager David Poile said.

"We're open to him playing up in the lineup or different positions, maybe power-play opportunities. ... In my mind, I kind of compare him to (Colton) Sissons (and Calle) Jarnkrok in terms of value and where he can move up and down the lineup and do different things."

A Jarnkrok-like contract (six years, $12 million) could be a good comparable for Hartman, who should have at least 30-point potential each season.

Miikka Salomaki

Cane's projection: $891,833 annual cap hit

Arbitration: Eligible

Career statistics: Eight goals, 19 points in 125 games

This one shouldn't be complicated. Salomaki earned league-minimum salaries in each of the past two seasons, so a slight raise is in order.

Cane's projected cap hit seems high, though. Salomaki is a dependable fourth-liner but doesn't affect the game in many ways. A salary figure between $700,000 and $750,000 feels appropriate if they plan to keep him.

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

Predators offseason calendar

June 20: NHL Awards (Las Vegas)

June 22-23: NHL Draft (Dallas)

June 25-29: Predators development camp

July 1: Free agency begins