Three teams emerge as frontrunners for Nashville Predators' Yaroslav Askarov
Today new reports have added more context to the Yaroslav Askarov trade talk speculation including potential landing spots for him.
The Nashville Predators have been one of the most active teams in the NHL this offseason. They signed stars like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei while also extending star goalie Juuse Saros.
Breaking: The Predators are adding star forward Steven Stamkos, former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei.
Word at draft is Predators closing in on an eight-year extension with Juuse Saros
Not sure of the exact AAV, but apparently in the 7s. Clearly, Saros wanted to stay.
Not sure of the exact AAV, but apparently in the 7s. Clearly, Saros wanted to stay.
All of these moves drastically improved the immediate future of the Nashville Predators but might have driven one of their future stars out of town. Sources, since these signings, have indicated that goalie Yaroslav Askarov has demanded a trade.
New landing spots emerge for Yaroslav Askarov amidst trade rumors
Since the re-signing of Juuse Saros was made official there have been rumblings that goalie Yaroslav Askarov is unhappy. He reportedly believes he deserves an NHL shot that he will not get now.
The Nashville Predators have received numerous calls on goalie Yaroslav Askarov in the last 24 hours in the wake of the Juuse Saros extension news. The Preds are willing to move him but have set a high price they feel is warranted.
With the Nashville Predators willingness to move on from Yaroslav Askarov speculation has begun into who could acquire him. According to Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet the San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets are teams to watch. In the case of the Blue Jackets former top 10 pick Kent Johnson could be part of the return.
The Jackets also have an interesting potential trade chip in forward Kent Johnson. The fifth-overall pick from 2021 has had ups and down so far in the NHL, but there's undoubtably real offensive ability in that long, lanky frame.
The Carolina Hurricanes in their pursuit of elite goaltending would potentially be willing to give up Martin Necas to land stability at the position.
Before Saros inked an extension to stay in Tennessee, we often saw his name appear on trade big boards and Carolina was certainly one of the squads we all mentally drew a line to. Maybe the Canes change course and target a younger Nashville goalie. With the future of restricted free agent Cane Martin Necas still up in the air, who knows, maybe he could be sent the other way as part of a bigger swap.
Finally, there is the San Jose Sharks who are looking to accelerate their rebuild now that they have Macklin Celebrini. With several future assets at their disposal the Sharks have plenty of chips to bargain with in pursuit of a player like Yaroslav Askarov.
The Sharks' battery is currently MacKenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek, with both goalies eligible to become UFAs next July and not exactly entrenched as trusted puckstoppers right now.
San Jose also has Vegas' 2025 first-round pick already in its backpocket, so it could dangle that selection while still hanging onto its own pick to try and get yet another prime prospect in the 2025 draft.
San Jose also has Vegas' 2025 first-round pick already in its backpocket, so it could dangle that selection while still hanging onto its own pick to try and get yet another prime prospect in the 2025 draft.
As of now the race to acquire Yaroslav Askarov remains wide open. He could be dealt to just about anywhere or the Predators could decide to keep him until he forces their hand. As the situation develops we will continue to provide updates to you.
One other team that may have interest is the Toronto Maple Leafs:
Now that Yaroslav Askarov has requested a trade, could a good fit be the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The former 11th overall pick had a .943 save percentage in two NHL games last season, and a .911 in 44 AHL appearances.
Can Brad Treliving pull it off?
The former 11th overall pick had a .943 save percentage in two NHL games last season, and a .911 in 44 AHL appearances.
Can Brad Treliving pull it off?
Source: House of Hockey
Yaroslav Askarov likely traded to three potential teams
Yaroslav Askarov likely traded to three potential teams
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 188 ANSWERS Three teams emerge as frontrunners for Nashville Predators' Yaroslav Askarov Would you want your favorite team to trade with the Nashville Predators for Yaroslav Askarov? | ||
| Yes | 100 | 53.2 % |
| No | 88 | 46.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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