Adam Vingan

avingan@tennessean.com

When the Predators open training camp in September, they will be in search of a new backup goaltender.

The Predators were prepared for Carter Hutton to leave the organization after three years, which he did July 1 when he signed a two-year, $2.25 million contract with the Blues. Hutton's likely replacement will be Marek Mazanec, who has spent most of the past three seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League since being drafted by Nashville in 2012.

That doesn't mean that Juuse Saros, the Predators' highly regarded goaltending prospect, won't also challenge for that role.

“I’d say Mazanec certainly deserves the first look," Predators general manager David Poile said recently. "He’s spent four years in the organization, he’s been up here when Pekka (Rinne) went down a couple years ago, (played) 25 games and really played well. He’s had some inconsistencies in his game down in Milwaukee, but in terms of can he do it, should he be able to be that second guy? Absolutely.

"I have no fear if he doesn't do it that Saros can do it. I think Saros is a terrific athlete, terrific young goalie, played excellent this year. Ideally, the way we like to develop players is we'd like him to get more playing time (in Milwaukee), but right now as I look at it, those guys are second guys.”

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In his first North American professional season, Saros, 21, was among the AHL's best goaltenders, finishing fourth with 29 wins and a 2.24 goals-against average. The league named him to its All-Rookie Team in April, the first Admirals goaltender to receive that honor since the team joined the AHL in 2001.

Saros made his NHL debut in November, starting against the Sabres at Bridgestone Arena and allowing three goals on 23 shots in a 3-0 loss. Mazanec has made 23 career NHL starts, but hasn't made an appearance since the 2014-15 season.

"Last year, there was so much new stuff," the native Finn said during the Predators' prospect development camp last month, referring to the smaller ice surface and handling the puck. "I was really happy that I came over and learned a lot of new stuff. I'm pretty happy where I am now, but there's still a lot to improve."

Last season, Saros evenly split playing time with Mazanec, appearing in 38 of the Admirals' 76 regular-season games. As of now, Saros is projected to take over as Milwaukee's full-time starter next season, which would probably be best for his development. But an impressive training camp could change those plans.

"Of course, it's an interesting situation and a really good chance for me, too," Saros said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to make this (team). We'll see."

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MAREK MAZANEC OR JUUSE SAROS?

Career AHL statistics

Mazanec: 55-43-17, 2.57 goals-against average, .908 save percentage

Saros: 29-8-0, 2.24 GAA, .920 save percentage

Career NHL statistics

Mazanec: 8-11-4, 2.77 GAA, .902 save percentage

Saros: 0-1-0, 3.10 GAA, .870 save percentage