Two teams in strong pursuit for Yaroslav Askarov following his trade request
Photo credit: Sportsnet
A new report suggests that two teams have emerged as frontrunners to acquire promising Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.
It's no secret that Askarov has requested a trade from GM Barry Trotz. With Trotz signing Juuse Saros to an eight-year, $7.74 million AAV extension and bringing in Scott Wedgewood during free agency, Askarov's options to compete in the NHL next season have become limited.
However, Trotz's decision makes sense. Both Saros and Wedgewood have proven they can perform at a high level in the NHL.
Saros, who has played 350 NHL games, has a record of 182-119-32, with a 2.63 GAA and a .917 save percentage. Drafted 99th overall by the Predators in 2013, he has spent his entire career in Nashville and will likely remain there with his new extension.
Wedgewood, drafted 84th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2010, has also been in the NHL system for years. He was the backup to Jake Oettinger with the Dallas Stars for the past two seasons. In the 2023-24 season, Wedgewood played 32 games, recording a 16-7-5 record, a .899 save percentage, and a 2.85 GAA.
On X, Michael Gallagher shared a post that gained a lot of attention, revealing that the San Jose Sharks and Carolina Hurricanes are two teams to watch in the Askarov trade situation.
Askarov, 22, has only played in three NHL games but has shown he can compete at a high level with a .914 save percentage and a 2.57 GAA. He also performed well in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, maintaining a GAA under 2.70 and a consistent .911 save percentage over the past two years.
Both the Sharks and Hurricanes could benefit from a goaltender like Askarov. The Hurricanes, aiming for another deep playoff run, might see Askarov as the missing piece. The Sharks, while rebuilding, could use Askarov to accelerate their progress alongside young talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
With training camp starting in a few weeks, it will be interesting to see what the Predators decide to do with Askarov.
Source for Yaroslav Askarov's statistics: Hockey DB
Source for Scott Wedgewood's statistics: Hockey DB
Source for Juuse Saros' statistics: Hockey DB
| POLL | ||
20 AOUT | 51 ANSWERS Two teams in strong pursuit for Yaroslav Askarov following his trade request Where do you think Yaroslav Askarov ends up? | ||
| Carolina Hurricanes | 6 | 11.8 % |
| San Jose Sharks | 16 | 31.4 % |
| Stays in Nashville | 9 | 17.6 % |
| Other | 20 | 39.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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