Euro goalie Saros gaining attention

Tuesday, 02.19.2013 / 3:03 PM

By Mike G. Morreale - NHL.com Staff Writer / 2013 NHL Draft blog

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2013 NHL Draft blog
Euro goalie Saros gaining attention

Goalie Juuse Saros is quietly gaining momentum and opening plenty of eyes with HPK Jr. in the Finnish junior league this season.

At the start of the season, NHL Director of European Scouting, Goran Stubb, had the 5-10.25, 178-pound keeper listed as a "C Watch" player, indicating he could very well be drafted in the fourth round at the 2013 NHL Draft in June.

On Feb. 15, Stubb upgraded his ranking to an "A Watch," meaning Saros has suddenly become a potential first-round candidate.

"He is the main reason why his HPK team is in the clear lead in the Finnish junior league," Stubb told NHL.com. "He is playing a great, great season. He has extremely quick reactions, and reads the game very well.

"He's the No. 1 goalie prospect in Europe. He was good last year but has been sensational this season."

In 39 games this season, Saros has a 1.85 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. He's represented Finland at the Under-18 level nine times and could very well serve as backup on HPK's senior team next season as an 18-year-old.

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mikemorrealeNHL

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