It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of one of the quiet parts of the hockey calendar. However, there’s still chatter on the NHL hot stove. Teams are still putting out feelers and trades could happen at any time. There’s always a market for goalies and the Nashville Predators have a highly-touted netminding prospect. This edition of NHL rumours deals with some team in the running for that Predators’ goalie prospect.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Nashville Predators Goalie Prospect Contenders
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon looked a three possible spots for Predators goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov. The Russian goalie is on the market after Juuse Saros was given an eight-year contract extension.
With rugged winger Rutger McGroarty and highly regarded goalie Yaroslav Askarov looking as though their long-term futures are not with the teams that drafted them, it's fair to ask where they could ultimately land before training camp. (@Dixononsports) https://t.co/Kncrf1vcau
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 16, 2024
Analysis: Nashville has seemingly made its choice when it comes to its goaltending situation. Predators General Manager Barry Trotz inked Saros to a new deal and that’s opened up talks for a suitor for Askarov.
Goalie prospects like Askarov could be game-changers if all the projections are correct. However, goalies are voodoo as one of our great prospect writers have said. Askarov still checks off many of the boxes and has done fairly well at Milwaukee in the AHL.
One can’t blame him for wanting a new team since his path to a starting job is seemingly over in the Music City. He may find a quicker route to an eventual starting spot in a new city.
The Candidates
Dixon said that three teams might be interested in the 22-year-old goalie. The first one Dixon mentions is the Columbus Blue Jackets, who need a long-term solution in goal. Columbus has a new General Manager in Don Waddell and he’ll want to make a splash. Could the Predators procure fifth-overall pick Kent Johnson in exchange for Askarov?
Another team that could be interested in the Russian goaltender is the Carolina Hurricanes. We all know that goaltending has been a question for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov are the current pair, but Askarov and Kochetkov could form an excellent pairing. Would the Predators ask for Martin Necas in the deal according to the musings of Dixon.
The last time that was mentioned is the New Jersey Devils. One may wonder why the Devils would want another goalie with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen as the current tandem. However, Allen is only under contract for one more year while Markstrom has another two seasons. New Jersey and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald would do well to find a long-term solution to the goaltending issue.
What it Means for Each Team
Columbus is a few seasons away from contending, but Askarov could have time to grow with the young roster. It might be the easiest way for him to get a starting job in the Jackets organization.
Both Carolina and New Jersey want to be contenders and have dreams of a Stanley Cup. Askarov would have to fight it out with Kochetkov for the starting gig. However, it could be a situation where they’re both considered the number one.
New Jersey could have Askarov play in Utica this season to get some more seasoning. However, Allen and Markstrom re-signing isn’t a complete given. We could see Askarov come after the 2024-25 season and take a backup spot behind Markstrom. The future is uncertain after Markstrom’s deal expires in two seasons.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
