Sharks Sign New Acquistion Askarov To Extension, Say He Could Still Head to AHL

Just hours after pulling off a major move to acquire top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators, the San Jose Sharks have signed the 22-year-old to a two-year extension that kicks in after the coming season.

SJ signs Askarov to a 2 x $2M extension that kicks in after next season
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 23, 2024

The new deal, which begins in 2025-26 after the expiry of his entry-level deal, carries a $2 million cap hit.

The other intriguing bit of info emanating from the Sharks, is that despite the rumors circulating this past week that Askarov would refuse to head back to the American Hockey League after proving himself there for the last two seasons, GM Mike Grier said if they need to send him to the AHL, he doesn't expect it to be a problem.

#SJSharks GM Mike Grier says he talked to Askarov and feels that he wouldn't have any problem reporting to the AHL. Adds that he's extended him to a new contract
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) August 23, 2024

Grier added that the Sharks have had their eye on the young netminder for quite a while, and have done their due diligence.

Grier says #SJSharks have been after Askarov for a while, for at least a year or so. They've done their homework with Nabokov, Speer & Miller watching him, talking w/ people about his character.

Says he has "no issue" with Askarov's fire, believes it will be channeled positively
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) August 23, 2024

Grier also said that he has "no issue" with Askarov's fire, and believes it will be channeled positively, per beat writer Sheng Peng.

The Sharks sent forward prospect David Edstrom, goalie prospect Magnus Chrona and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Preds in return for Askarov.