The San Jose Sharks have cut their roster repeatedly during the last few weeks. Recently, their number one goalie prospect found himself back down in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda.
Yaroslav Askarov‘s News as Return to Ice is a Positive Sign
The #SJSharks have assigned G Yaroslav Askarov to the @sjbarracuda. An updated camp roster is available here. pic.twitter.com/rBGgfFygHM
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) October 4, 2024
On Friday, October 4th, the San Jose Sharks released news that Askarov was being sent down to the Barracuda. This is likely due to his lower-body injury. Askarov hinted that the injury was nothing major and he had been taking the time to recover fully.
Yaroslav Askarov had missed most of the Sharks Training Camp due to battling a lower-body injury. Askarov made a reappearance on the ice during a Sharks practice on September 30th for the first time this preseason.
Askarov Should be Ready for Start of Season Regardless if with Sharks
Being sent down to the San Jose Barracuda can benefit Askarov. This time will allow him to fully recover and become healthier before making a full return to the ice. Also, as young as he is, and only having a few years in the AHL under his belt, this time will allow him the time to grow and likely give him more time in the net.
Friday morning, Asakrov reported to the Barracuda’s practice for the first time. Although, it is unlikely that he will be in the lineup Friday night against the Bakersfield Condors.
Askarov was traded from the Nashville Predators in exchange for goalie Magnus Chrona and forward David Edstrom. Not long after being traded, Askarov signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Sharks. It was suspected that Askarov would go on to replace Mackenzie Blackwood or Vitek Vanecek as the number one goalie this coming season.
Askarov is on the move! ?
The @PredsNHL have traded goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to the @SanJoseSharks! pic.twitter.com/3kMrqXVQ4A
— NHL (@NHL) August 23, 2024
Askarov was the first goalie to be picked in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. He was the top-rated European Goalie prospect and was highly sought after.
Askarov has Built an Impressive List of Achievements
Yaroslav Askarov has seen success during his hockey career and has achieved major milestones that have set him apart.
At 17 years old, he became the second youngest goalie to start in the KHL. Over his 3 seasons in the American Hockey League, Askarov went 56-29-6 with a 2.55 goal average and a .911 save percentage over 92 games.
Askarov has a wide range of achievements during his time playing hockey. In 2019, Askarov assisted his team in taking first at the Hlinka-Gretzky under 18 tournament where he had a 1.25 goals against average and a save percentage of .960. During 2020 year, he helped Russia get second place at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
This Move Is Likely Temporary, but Only Time Will Tell
This news on Askarov’s departure to the AHL has left Blackwood and Vanecek as the only two goalies in the Sharks lineup. With Askarov removed from the scenario, their competition for the number one goalie position has lessened but has not disappeared.
The Sharks are less than a week away from the 2024-25 season starting. They face the Ducks and the Knights one more time before taking on the St. Louis Blues on October 10th. It is unlikely that Askarov will reappear on the Sharks lineup for the season home opener, but it is speculated that he will reappear in the Sharks lineup this coming season.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Mills – USA TODAY Sports
