It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the summertime, but we’ve got plenty to talk about. There have been some moves that have been made in the dog days of August. We’ve seen offer sheets and trades so far this off-season. However, we may not be done as we draw closer to the start of training camp. The Nashville Predators were busy on July 1, but may have more to do. This edition of NHL rumours looks at the future of a young Nashville Predators goalie prospect.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Nashville Predators Goalie Asks for Trade
Rumour: NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported that Predators goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov has asked for a trade. Weekes added that the young Russian netminder won’t report to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told that Top Goalie Prospect Askarov has informed the @PredsNHL that he will not report to their @TheAHL team, and has requested a trade. #HockeyX #Preds pic.twitter.com/EQFGs7FUJK— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) August 19, 2024
Analysis: Many saw this coming with the long-term contract signed by Finnish goalie Juuse Saros in the off-season. Askarov felt like he was going to be the heir apparent, but it seems like Nashville General Manager Barry Trotz is riding with Saros.
One can’t blame Askarov for wanting a change to be a number one starter sooner rather than later. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman had speculated that Askarov may do this and the insider was seemingly proven right.
Askarov’s path to being an NHL goalie is seemingly blocked by Saros and veteran backup Scott Wedgewood. Some thought Saros was going to be the one on the move, but Trotz has made his choice.
What’s Next?
Askarov has only played in three NHL games and has two career starts. However, the former 11th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft has spent most of his time in Milwaukee since coming over to North America. Askarov went 30-13-1 with a .911 save percentage and 2.39 goals-against-average.
Playing in the AHL is a different animal than playing in the NHL. However, he feels that he’s ready to be a full-time NHL goalie.
Trotz had already made a deal last week to accommodate a player looking for a fresh start in dealing Cody Glass to the Pittsburgh Penguins last week. It’s like that Trotz will do the same thing for Askarov.
When Do We See a Deal?
Training camps around the league start in the middle of September, so there’s some time before a deal can happen. However, finding the right dance partner may take some time.
Friedman said that a team is going to have to make sure there’s a spot for Askarov. He wants to get a chance to fight for a starting gig on an NHL roster.
Teams are always looking to improve their goaltending situation and the 22-year-old can possibly be a long-term solution when he gets more seasoning.
However, there’s no point in acquiring the goalie if he’s going to be in the same boat like he was in Nashville. Askarov will also be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. There’s also the need for giving him a new contract down the way. Hopefully, some of these questions will be answered when a deal does go down.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
