Breaking: Askarov Wants Out of Nashville

It was apparent since the early summer when the Nashville Predators signed No. 1 goalie Juuse Saros to an 8-year, $62 million extension. Top netminding prospect Yaroslav Askarov immediately became a trade candidate. But now, he has made it official: He wants out of Nashville, and says he will not report to the AHL this season.

**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told that Top Goalie Prospect Askarov has informed the @PredsNHL that he will not report to their @TheAHL team, and has requested a trade. #HockeyX #Preds pic.twitter.com/EQFGs7FUJK
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) August 19, 2024

NHL Insider Kevin Weekes broke the news Monday morning that the 22-year-old goaltender has informed the Preds that he is requesting a trade, and has no intention of playing in the AHL this season.

The former No. 11 overall selection (2020 NHL Draft) has done all he can do in the American Hockey League. He was named to the league's Top Prospects Team after going 30-13-1 with a 2.39 GAA, a .911 save percentage and six shutouts in 2023-24, even better than his excellent 2022-23 campaign.

He was named Goaltender of the Month in January when he posted an 8-0-0 record, a 1.73 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage and three shutouts.

He only made two appearances with the Predators this season.

GM Barry Trotz had already said earlier this summer that he would see what's out there for Askarov, but now the pressure to move him has ramped up.