Sharks Rumors: Will San Jose Pursue Yaroslav Askarov?

Friday, August 23, 2024 ,

Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now recently speculated on whether the San Jose Sharks might pursue Yaroslav Askarov, the highly touted goaltending prospect from the Nashville Predators. 

Askarov, drafted 11th overall in 2020, has reportedly requested a trade after growing frustrated with his situation in Nashville, particularly following Juuse Saros's eight-year contract extension. 

With Saros firmly entrenched as the Predators' starter, Askarov, who is unwilling to spend another season in the AHL, sees his path to the NHL blocked, prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere. 

The Sharks, lacking a top-tier young netminder in their prospect pool, could find Askarov an enticing target to address their future goaltending needs.

Much of the Sharks' interest in Askarov could hinge on the evaluation of Evgeni Nabokov, the team's director of goaltending. 

While Askarov's raw talent is undeniable, concerns about his maturity and consistency have been raised, with some describing him as a "loose cannon" prone to being easily distracted during games. 

These issues, highlighted by incidents like a penalty-earning outburst during a playoff series, could be crucial factors for the Sharks to consider. 

Nabokov's assessment will likely determine whether San Jose is willing to take a chance on Askarov, especially given the current uncertainty surrounding their goaltending situation, with both Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek set to become unrestricted free agents after the 2024-25 season.

The Sharks' flexibility with their goaltending contracts might offer Askarov a clearer path to the NHL compared to Nashville. 

San Jose has the assets to make a compelling offer for Askarov, but the key question remains whether the young goaltender would be open to another year of development in the AHL under a new team.

Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports



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