Latest Analysis Pegs 9 Teams That Need To Target Yaroslav Askarov

Yaroslav Askarov is a name being bandied about in many NHL front offices these days. The Nashville Predators' top young goaltending prospect has asked for a trade, and several teams have already been linked. Now we get a comprehensive compilation, courtesy of Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff, of no less than 9 teams that should be targeting the AHL's Top Prospect Team goaltender.

Which type of team would the 22-year-old fit best? A young and rebuilding team to grow with? A contending team that needs to take a swing at adding a potential star between the pipes? Or some team in between? Let's take a look at Larkin's 9 teams in alphabetical order:

Carolina Hurricanes

Wait, don't they already have an impressive young goalie for the future in Pyotr Kochetkov? The first of the contenders on the list, the Canes made the Russian backstop their No. 1 between the pipes last season, but as Larkin notes, wouldn't a Kochetkov/Askarov pairing be intriguing for the years to come?

Colorado Avalanche

Alexandar Georgiev struggled last season and is on an expiring contract. It's quite possible he won't be back after this season, and it would behoove the Avs to start thinking about the future with a potential young star like Askarov, in case Justus Annunen is not the answer with a heavier workload.

Columbus Blue Jackets

After two Cup contenders, we move to a rebuilding team. Landing an up-and-coming netminder like Askarov is a natural fit here.

Los Angeles Kings

One of those teams in the middle, the Kings likely wouldn't anoint Askarov with the starter's role after taking on Darcy Kuemper in a trade, but that would allow the youngster to break in as a 1-B.

Philadelphia Flyers

A team that's past the rebuilding stage, but not yet quite a Cup contender. But they lost a young starting goalie from their organization last winter with Carter Hart facing his legal troubles and being non-tendered. Sure, they brought in Russian Ivan Fedotov and they also are committed to Samuel Ersson. But Larkin suggests that Askarov, if he lives up to his potential, could surpass both of them on the depth chart.

San Jose Sharks

Askarov would be a natural fit on this exciting young rebuilding team. Larkin calls them "the best suitor" for the young puck-stopper.

Seattle Kraken

This one might not make that much sense, as the Kraken need to use their assets on beefing up the offense, plus they got quite an impressive season out of Joey Daccord last year, why not ride with him again? And let's not even get started on the huge money they're already spending between the pipes on the struggling Philipp Grubauer.

Utah Hockey Club

The rebuilding club wants to make a splash in their new home, why not take a shot?

Vancouver Canucks

The Thatcher Demko injury situation hovers over the team, who can't afford to get off to a slow start if Demko is out for any length of time to start the season. Would they buy in on Askarov? Larkin calls them a "deep sleeper."

At 22 years old, Askarov believes he is ready for the NHL and has said he will not report back to the AHL this coming season. In the days or weeks to come, we'll see which team believes in the young netminder as strongly as he does in himself.