Top NHL goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov suffers major setback after trade to the San Jose Sharks

Yaroslav Askarov is one of the NHL's top prospects, and after he was traded to the Sharks, he's now suffered a huge setback in what was meant to be a breakout year.

The San Jose Sharks improved an incredible amount this off-season, as they added several veterans through free agency and some young names through the draft, but it was the addition via trade that has this fanbase the most excited. That player bringing the excitement is top NHL goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov, who was acquired earlier in the season from the Nashville Predators after he struggled to crack their lineup.

Now, he's expected to be the starter of the future in San Jose, but his first season hasn't started off that way, as the 22-year old has officially been sent to the Sharks AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.

On the surface, being patient with the development of a 22-year goaltender isn't the worst way to approach things in San Jose, but given the price that was paid to bring him in after sitting behind Juuse Saros, so much more was expected in his first season. Over his last two campaigns in the AHL, Askarov has posted a .911 save percentage in both seasons with a 2.39 GAA last year in 48 games played, with many believing that he had proved everything he could down there.

However, with Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanacek in front of him on the depth chart, the team believed starting him in the AHL was the best move, so in a new environment, let's now see how the former No. 11 overall draft pick reacts.

MUST READ

11 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

12 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

13 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

14 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

17 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

17 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

20 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

Nov 23  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES