The rebuilding San Jose Sharks have added a significant prospect to their lineup after a trade with the Nashville Predators on Friday.
San Jose acquired goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, a 2025 third-round selection (originally a Colorado pick) and Nolan Burke from the Predators as part of the deal in exchange for David Edstrom, a 2025 first-round selection (originally Vegas’ selection) and goaltender Magnus Chrona, the team announced Friday.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the deal.
And it appears Askarov’s services came down to a sweepstakes as the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils were among teams reportedly showing interest before the Sharks came out on top.
Askarov’s future in Nashville had been up in the air this summer after the Predators re-signed Juuse Saros to a long-term extension.
The 22-year-old Askarov previously indicated he wanted a shot at a full-time role in the NHL.
“I believe the one thing Askarov has indicated to both the Predators, and it’s kind of been floating around league-wide, is that he doesn’t want to go to the American Hockey League, he wants to play in the NHL next year,” Friedman said on 32 Thought: The Podcast earlier this month. “So, I think there are some teams that are kind of looking at it like, ‘If we want to acquire this guy, we better make sure we have space to play him,’ because there’s no point in acquiring him if he’s going to be unhappy or he’s going to be uncertain about his future.”
The Sharks are one of the few teams that can afford to take a risk on the young goaltender. Before the trade, San Jose had MacKenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vancek pencilled in as its tandem in net.
Askarov, 22, appeared in two games for Nashville last season, going 1-0-0 with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. He’s appeared in three total NHL games, all with Nashville, recording a 2.58 GAA and .914 save percentage.
“Yaroslav is a goaltender who has the tools to become an everyday NHL goaltender,” said Sharks GM Mike Grier in a statement. “His ability to position himself effectively, vision, and athletic ability have been on display in the last few seasons, and he is a strong young addition to our goaltending group. We are happy to have him a part of the organization.”
Just hours after the trade, the Sharks signed their newly-acquired goaltender to a two-year, $4 million contract extension, set to kick in after next season.
The netminder spent most of the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville’s AHL affiliate. Askarov made 44 appearances, logging a 30-13-1 record with six shutouts and a 2.39 GAA and .911 save percentage.
In 2022-23, as a rookie, he ranked tied for third among all AHL goaltenders in wins (26) while leading all first-year goalies in wins and shutouts (3).
Askarov was selected as an AHL All-Star in both of his seasons with the Admirals.
Before being drafted by the Predators 11th overall in 2020, Askarov appeared with SKA St. Petersburg in parts of three seasons in the KHL. When he made his debut with the club in 2019 at 17 years old, he became the second-youngest goaltender to start a KHL game.
In 16 career KHL contests, he posted an 8-5-2 record with a 1.48 GAA and .937 save percentage with one shutout.
Internationally, he represented Russia at the 2020 and 2021 World Junior Championship, where he helped capture a silver medal in 2020.
The Sharks' Goaltending Situation
The Sharks have been struggling to find consistent goaltending for a number of years, but that could change with the addition of Askarov. The team has a lot of young talent up front and Askarov, if he can develop as expected, could give them a solid foundation in net.
Askarov's Development
Askarov has shown a lot of potential in his time in the KHL and AHL, but he will need to adjust to the NHL game if he wants to succeed. The Sharks will need to be patient with him, but if he can develop into a top-flight goalie, he will be a valuable asset for the team.
Askarov's Impact on the Sharks
Askarov's arrival gives the Sharks a key piece in their rebuild. He has a chance to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come, and his presence will give the Sharks a lot of hope for the future. The Sharks haven't reached the playoffs since 2019 and with a player like Askarov on the roster, they have a chance to make a run for the Stanley Cup.
Askarov's Future in San Jose
The Sharks are hoping that Askarov can develop into a franchise goaltender, and they are committed to giving him the opportunity to do so. They have a lot of young talent on the team, and if Askarov can live up to his potential, the Sharks could be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL for years to come.
The Sharks' Rebuilding Efforts
The Sharks have been rebuilding their team over the past few years, and they have made some major moves this offseason. They have added a lot of young talent, and they are hoping that Askarov can be the final piece of the puzzle.
Askarov's Role in the Rebuild
The Sharks are hoping that Askarov can be the cornerstone of their rebuild. He has a chance to be a franchise goaltender, and his presence will give the Sharks a lot of hope for the future.
The Sharks' New Era
The Sharks are entering a new era, and they are hoping that Askarov can help them return to the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup. He is a talented young player with a lot of potential, and he could be a major factor in the Sharks' success in the coming years.
The Impact of Askarov's Trade
The Askarov trade is a big deal for both the Sharks and the Predators. It is a gamble for the Sharks, but one that could pay off big time. It is a loss for the Predators, but one that they hope will help them to rebuild.
The Sharks are hoping that Askarov can be the goalie of the future for them, and he has the potential to be a game-changer. The Predators are hoping that they can use the assets they received in the trade to help them build a new core for the future.
The Sharks' Gain
The Sharks have acquired a top goaltending prospect in Askarov, who has the potential to be a star in the NHL. He is a great addition to their team, and he could help them to make a run for the playoffs.
The Predators' Loss
The Predators have lost a promising goaltender in Askarov, but they have received valuable assets in return. They are hoping that they can use these assets to help them build a new core for the future.
The Askarov trade is a win-win situation for both teams. The Sharks have acquired a top goaltending prospect, while the Predators have received valuable assets in return. This trade is a sign that the Predators are willing to rebuild, while the Sharks are hoping that they have found their goalie of the future.
