The rebuilding San Jose Sharks have added a significant prospect to their lineup after a trade with the Nashville Predators on Friday.
San Jose acquired goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, a 2025 third-round selection (originally a Colorado pick) and Nolan Burke from the Predators as part of the deal in exchange for David Edstrom, a 2025 first-round selection (originally Vegas’ selection) and goaltender Magnus Chrona, the team announced Friday.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the deal.
And it appears Askarov’s services came down to a sweepstakes as the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils were among teams reportedly showing interest before the Sharks came out on top.
Askarov’s future in Nashville had been up in the air this summer after the Predators re-signed Juuse Saros to a long-term extension.
The 22-year-old Askarov previously indicated he wanted a shot at a full-time role in the NHL.
“I believe the one thing Askarov has indicated to both the Predators, and it’s kind of been floating around league-wide, is that he doesn’t want to go to the American Hockey League, he wants to play in the NHL next year,” Friedman said on 32 Thought: The Podcast earlier this month. “So, I think there are some teams that are kind of looking at it like, ‘If we want to acquire this guy, we better make sure we have space to play him,’ because there’s no point in acquiring him if he’s going to be unhappy or he’s going to be uncertain about his future.”
The Sharks are one of the few teams that can afford to take a risk on the young goaltender. Before the trade, San Jose had MacKenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vancek pencilled in as its tandem in net.
Askarov, 22, appeared in two games for Nashville last season, going 1-0-0 with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. He’s appeared in three total NHL games, all with Nashville, recording a 2.58 GAA and .914 save percentage.
“Yaroslav is a goaltender who has the tools to become an everyday NHL goaltender,” said Sharks GM Mike Grier in a statement. “His ability to position himself effectively, vision, and athletic ability have been on display in the last few seasons, and he is a strong young addition to our goaltending group. We are happy to have him a part of the organization.”
The netminder spent most of the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville’s AHL affiliate. Askarov made 44 appearances, logging a 30-13-1 record with six shutouts and a 2.39 GAA and .911 save percentage.
In 2022-23, as a rookie, he ranked tied for third among all AHL goaltenders in wins (26) while leading all first-year goalies in wins and shutouts (3).
Askarov was selected as an AHL All-Star in both of his seasons with the Admirals.
Before being drafted by the Predators 11th overall in 2020, Askarov appeared with SKA St. Petersburg in parts of three seasons in the KHL. When he made his debut with the club in 2019 at 17 years old, he became the second-youngest goaltender to start a KHL game.
In 16 career KHL contests, he posted an 8-5-2 record with a 1.48 GAA and .937 save percentage with one shutout.
Internationally, he represented Russia at the 2020 and 2021 World Junior Championship, where he helped capture a silver medal in 2020.
The San Jose Sharks made a bold move in acquiring top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators. Askarov, a highly touted young goaltender from Russia, has been turning heads with his exceptional play in the KHL and international competitions.
At just 19 years old, Askarov is already drawing comparisons to some of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing lightning-quick reflexes, he has the potential to become a franchise goalie for the Sharks for years to come.
Askarov’s impressive resume includes winning a silver medal at the 2020 World Junior Championships and being named the best goaltender at the tournament. He has also been dominant in the KHL, posting impressive numbers and earning praise from scouts and analysts around the league.
The Sharks’ decision to acquire Askarov shows their commitment to building a strong foundation for the future. With veteran goalie Martin Jones nearing the end of his contract, bringing in a young talent like Askarov gives the team stability in the crease for years to come.
While there may be an adjustment period as Askarov acclimates to the North American style of play, his potential is undeniable. With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, he has all the tools to become a star in the NHL.
Sharks fans have every reason to be excited about the addition of Yaroslav Askarov to their roster. With his potential to become a top-tier goalie in the league, he could be a key piece in the team’s quest for a Stanley Cup in the near future.