NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Teams Linked To Yaroslav Askarov

Thursday, July 18, 2024 , , ,

Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet has identified three potential trade destinations for Nashville Predators' highly regarded goaltending prospect, Yaroslav Askarov. 

With the Predators having extended Juuse Saros and signed veteran backup Scott Wedgewood, Askarov’s future in Nashville has become a topic of trade speculation. 

The San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes are seen as prime candidates to acquire the 22-year-old netminder.

The San Jose Sharks are well-positioned to pursue Askarov, given their rebuilding phase and the impending free agency of their current goalies, Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek. 

Askarov could quickly become the cornerstone goalie behind a defense led by prime prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Sam Dickinson. The Sharks also have valuable draft assets, including Vegas’ 2025 first-round pick, which could be part of a trade package to secure Askarov's services, as noted by Dixon.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes also present compelling options for Askarov. 

The Blue Jackets, with a promising core including recent high draft picks Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom, could stabilize their goaltending by acquiring Askarov. 

Despite Daniil Tarasov showing potential, Columbus needs a reliable long-term solution in net, and might consider including forward Kent Johnson in a trade package. 

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes could create a formidable goalie duo by pairing Askarov with Pyotr Kochetkov. With Frederik Andersen on the final year of his contract, Carolina has the chance to secure their goaltending future, potentially involving Martin Necas in trade discussions to address Nashville's needs while solidifying their own crease, as noted by Dixon.

Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports



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