That's why both players are more intent on solving their current situation, improving their own play and that of their team, than looking into the future. But they -- and the Predators -- cannot avoid the fact that the future is coming ever closer. It's a piece of how the Predators are evaluating the struggles of their goalies this season, how they're deciding the rotation, how they're considering the days beyond the present.
"Those things have been talked about," coach Peter Laviolette said. "There's no surprises inside the room. Pekka has been such a great goaltender, and still is. (Saros) is a young goalie who's pushing for more time every opportunity he gets."
Rinne is under contract for one more season after he signed a two-year, $10 million contract Nov. 3, 2018. Saros also is under contract for one more season, at $1.5 million, and can become a restricted free agent July 1, 2021.
"There's always a plan in place," Laviolette said. "At the same time, we're fortunate that we have two great goalies. (Saros) is pushing for more opportunities where he can get them, and Pekka has done a really good job of just being himself."
Not that Rinne doesn't want to play more games. Not that he wants to see the end of his career approaching, or his successor readying to take his place. But he also understands.
"We're fortunate," Laviolette said. "It's been a really good entry in for Juuse because of (Rinne) and who he is as a person. They have a great relationship and I do think there is something there because they're both Finnish goalies and (Rinne) has really done a good job of making sure that this kid's OK and he's learning the right way."
It has been the perfect fit. They have been the perfect tandem.
It has been easy, which is all any player can ask about a teammate, or a roommate. Saros has been willing to learn; Rinne has been willing to teach.
"It's always been a good relationship between us," Saros said. "He's always helped me with everything and still helps me if I have questions off the ice, and even on the ice we share a lot of thoughts about the game. So yeah, of course we're competing on the ice time, but I really couldn't ask for a better guy to be there."