One of the Predators’ biggest concerns heading into next season is the status of starting goalie Juuse Saros, who suffered through his worst season as a pro in 2024-25.

Saros led the NHL in losses with 31, while recording the lowest save percentage (.895) and highest goals against average (2.98) of his career.

Did we mention that his eight-year, $61.9 million contract extension kicks in next season?

It’s an anxiety-producing situation for plenty of Preds fans.

But perhaps the 30-year-old Saros is offering at least some signs of optimism with his play at the annual IIHF World Championship, which this year is being played in Sweden and Denmark.

Saros has steered his native Finland into Thursday’s quarterfinal against the U.S. by compiling some impressive numbers.

In five games, Saros has stopped 141 of 147 shots, a .959 save percentage that is second best in the tournament of any netminder who has played at least four contests. Saros’ 1.19 goals against average is the best in the tournament among goalies who’ve played at least four contests.

Saros on Tuesday turned in a gem against Canada, which posted the best record (6-0-1) in the round-robin phase of the tournament. He stopped 37-of-38 shots during regulation, then held the Canadians to one goal in five shootout attempts to secure a 2-1 overtime victory.

Here’s a quick look at how other Predators are faring in the tournament prior to the start of quarterfinal competition:

• Canada forward Ryan O’Reilly has four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games. He netted one of his goals Tuesday against Sweden.

O’Reilly played his 62nd World Championship game for Canada on Tuesday, breaking a national mark previous held by Ryan Smyth. Canada will take on Denmark in the quarterfinals.   

• Forsberg has three points (three assists) in seven games for Sweden. He recorded an assist in the 5-3 loss to Canada on Tuesday. Sweden takes on Czechia in the quarterfinal round.

• Forward Michael McCarron has two points (one goal, one assist) in seven games for the U.S., which will face Saros and Finland in a quarterfinal match-up. Defenseman Brady Skjei has zero points in seven contests.