Report: Nashville Predators Making Trade Offers for Top-5 Draft Picks

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is trying hard to climb up the 2024 NHL Draft board. According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Trotz has been receiving trade calls on top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov and is looking for a significant return for the future star.

The Nashville Predators have received numerous calls on goalie Yaroslav Askarov in the last 24 hours in the wake of the Juuse Saros extension news. The Preds are willing to move him but have set a high price they feel is warranted. Nashville would like to move into the top 5 of…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2024

The Preds are trying to move into the top five and have been in contact with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Montreal Canadiens about an Askarov-centered trade, but so far no takers.

Askarov is apparently not thrilled with the news the Predators plan on starting him next season in the AHL, this coming after the team agreed to an eight-year contract extension for Juuse Saros. Askarov posted impressive numbers in two AHL seasons. The former 11th-overall pick from the 2020 draft posted a 30-13-1 record last season in Milwaukee, along with a 2.39 GAA and .911 Sv.%. He also appeared in two NHL games with the Predators, winning one and posting a .943 Sv.%. It's become obvious Askarov is one of the best goalies not consistently dressing on an NHL roster.

As for Trotz' journey on the draft board, the Sharks aren't moving off the first pick and after that, it appears everything is on the table. So far, no deal, but that doesn't mean one can't materialize before the #2 selection on Friday night from The Sphere in Vegas.