Yaroslav Askarov Landing Spots

By Mike Rifkin

The Nashville Predators have been one of the most aggressive teams in free agency. Bringing in Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. The best move in my opinion was extending goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight year 61 million dollar contract. Saros last season was 35-24-5 with a 2.86 GAA  and a .906 save percentage with three shutouts. 

With Saros locked up what happens to prospect Yaroslav Askarov?

Askarov, the 11th overall pick in 2020 by the Preds is one of the top goalie prospects in the league. Askarov, earlier this week requested a trade from the organization. Askarov, who has played the last two seasons for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL was 30-13-1 with a 2.39 GAA and .911 save percentage with six shutouts. So who should make the call to Barry Trotz to acquire the young Russian goalie. 

Contenders 

Colorado Avalanche : Alexandar Georgiev is entering the final season of his contract and didn’t have a tremendous season last season. Yes he won 38 games, but his save percentage was under .900 and his goals against were over three, the Avs have a win now roster, adding a 22 year old goalie could lengthen their window of contention. 

LA Kings : The Kings are entering a new phase of their organization. The Anze Kopitar/Drew Doughty era has a few seasons left, the Kings did get out of the Pierre Luc Dubois contract and got Darcy Kuemper. But using that fantastic farm system they can add Askarov to pair with Kuemper until Askarov takes over. 

Rebuilding

Columbus Blue Jackets : The Blue Jackets have had a few shocking moments over the last few summers, from signing Johnny Gaudreau to hiring Mike Babcock to this summer bringing in Don Waddell. The Blue Jackets have a need in goal. Daniil Tarasov had a decent season in a backup role and Elvis Merzlikins is someone they can move. 

San Jose Sharks : Mike Grier has discussed this being a long term rebuild in the Bay area. Well they did land the number one pick in the draft in Macklin Celebrini, and they brought in some veterans in Tyler Toffoli and Barclay Goodrow. The cherry on top would be adding a franchise altering goalie. 

Chicago Blackhawks : The Blackhawks as well have had a tremendous summer, adding Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen among others. The Blackhawks like the Sharks have had their rebuild accelerated because of a number one pick. Petr Mrazek had a solid season, but adding Askarov can put the Blackhawks on a different timeline to win. The one difficult thing is trading within their division. 

Wild Card : 

Anaheim Ducks : There’s only one way this works and that’s if the Ducks part ways with longtime goalie John Gibson. If they do they should be a player here. The Ducks have a young crop of forwards including Trevor Zegras, Mason Mctavish,  Cutter Gauthier, etc… And like the Sharks and Blackhawks adding Askarov can accelerate their rebuild. 

The Predators hold the cards here and can get a lofty price for the 22 year old goalie, we’ll have to wait to see what happens next.