Predators Rumors: Nashville Trading Yaroslav Askarov?

The Nashville Predators are closing in on a long-term extension for Juuse Saros, so naturally, all the attention has turned to Yaroslav Askarov and his future in #Smashville.

Askarov is one of the best goalie prospects in the league and looks poised to make the full-time jump to the NHL next season. However, the Preds reportedly have other ideas and it's leading many to believe the 22-year-old netminder is going to ask for a trade.

Askarov on Instagram this morning: #preds pic.twitter.com/vErJdUgG80
— Rachel K (@RachelKH79) June 28, 2024

Last season in the AHL, Askarov went 30-13-1, with a 2.39 GAA and .911 Sv.%. He also appeared in two games with the Predators, collecting one win and posting a 1.47 GAA and .943 Sv.%. The former first-round pick, 11th overall, has one season left on his entry-level contract at $925,000 and then becomes a restricted free agent.

Whoa. Wonder what this means for Yaro Askarov’s future in Nashville. https://t.co/OI1PcXxhN7
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 28, 2024

As for onlooking teams, the Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the early teams linked, same goes for the Detroit Red Wings. At this point Askarov has not formally asked for a trade, however after given it some thought this weekend, there's certainly some potential things eventually go down this path and GM Barry Trotz gets his hands tied a little bit after some growing frustration.

As for now, Trotz is looking up Saros in his prime and has Askarov who is on the brink of being a star. We'll see how Trotz and the Preds handle things as NHL Draft weekend begins and free agency is right around the corner.