General Manager Mike Grier pulled off a blockbuster trade for Yaroslav Askarov. Let’s take a look at what this acquisition means for the Sharks. In his draft year, Askarov was touted as the next great goalie prospect. The Predators selected him 11th overall in 2020 and, since then, has seemed to affirm the expectations.
In recent years, however, Asakrov has aimed for a full-time starting spot in the NHL. Before the trade, Askarov told the Predators that he would not report to their AHL team. Nashville had just signed starter Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension, so Askarov would not have an opportunity with the team, barring injury. Askarov formally requested a trade away from the organization.
**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
Let’s take a look at the full trade.
Askarov to San Jose
In the trade, the Sharks acquired Askarov, Nolan Burke and a 2025 third-round pick from the Predators in exchange for David Edstrom, Magnus Chrona and a Vegas Golden Knights 2025, top-ten protected first-round pick. As you may remember, Edstrom and the first-rounder were the returns for San Jose in the Tomas Hertl trade. So we have the details of the trade, but what does this mean for the Sharks right now?
For the Present
Let’s face it, San Jose struggled to keep the puck out of the net last year. There are two reasons for this. One part of it was goaltending, as neither Mackenzie Blackwood nor Kaapo Kahkonen posted a SV% above .900. The team has struggled to find any consistency at the position since the departure of Martin Jones. Askarov posted a .943 SV% in his short, two-game stint in the NHL last season. However, Nashville has something that San Jose lacks.
Nashville’s defencemen are some of the best in the NHL. The group boasted the likes of Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh and Alexandre Carrier, each of whom blocked over 100 shots. The Sharks, on the other hand, surrendered the most shots in the NHL, even with Mario Ferraro finishing eighth in the league in blocked shots. Sharks fans should be thrilled about the trade, while being mindful that the roster is young, with some growing pains still ahead.
In the Future
Goaltending was the lone spot in the organization that still needed improvement. The forward and defensive prospects are regarded as some of the best in the NHL, especially after drafting Macklin Celebrini and Sam Dickinson. Askarov gives the team an elite goaltending prospect for a reasonable price. Edstrom is a center and, with many forward prospects budding for a spot in the NHL, could have a tough time cracking the roster.
In terms of the 2025 first-rounder, Grier bought the team some insurance. If the Golden Knights pick falls in the top ten, the Sharks would have the choice of sending either the Vegas selection or their own 2025 first-rounder to the Predators. Essentially, San Jose will be able to keep the higher pick and continue to build the prospect pool.
Following the trade, Grier signed Askarov to a two-year extension worth $4 million. Barring injury, he will be on the roster for both years, so this contract gives the Sharks a short, low-risk option to see if Askarov is the guy. If he plays to his potential, Grier will sign Askarov to a long-term deal.
Final Thoughts
With all the young players on the roster, San Jose will likely finish near the bottom of the NHL standings. However, the Askarov trade gives Sharks fans reason to be excited about every position. No matter where the Sharks finish in the standings, the team is now set to compete for years to come.
Main Photo: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
