Since he was drafted 11th overall in 2020, it had been widely expected that Yaroslav Askarov would eventually become the long-term goalie for the Predators. However, the eight-year, $61.92MM contract extension they handed Juuse Saros earlier this week that runs through the 2033-34 campaign immediately called Askarov’s future with the franchise in question.
In a recent interview with Championat’s Pavel Panyshev, Askarov’s agent Dan Milstein further clouded Askarov’s future with Nashville, stating that he’s working with the club on different options when it comes to the young netminder and that he has proven that he’s an NHL player.
That last part is a bit difficult to agree with considering that Askarov has all of three career NHL appearances under his belt. While he has fared well in those games with a 2.58 GAA and a .914 SV%, it’s still too small of a definitive sample size to draw any meaningful conclusions from.
Having said that, the 22-year-old had a strong sophomore year at the AHL level, showing he’s progressing well toward becoming the impactful NHL netminder many expect him to be. Askarov played in 44 games with Milwaukee last season, matching the .911 SV% from his rookie campaign while shaving 30 points off his GAA, bringing it down to 2.39, ranking him fifth league-wide among qualifying netminders.
Askarov remains waiver-exempt for the next two seasons so this is something that, in theory, GM Barry Trotz could simply punt on for the time being, thereby keeping the netminder in the top role with the Admirals. That timeframe coincides with the length of contract handed to veteran Scott Wedgewood who was brought in as part of their July 1st spending spree so, in theory, Askarov would then move into the second-string role for the 2026-27 campaign.
But Milstein’s comments suggest that they have a different idea in mind, one that will get his client to a regular NHL role much sooner than that. This isn’t the first time Askarov has been in trade speculation as it was widely reported that he was in play at the 2023 draft in an effort to move up in the first round but no suitable trade came to fruition.
If Trotz does opt to once again look into an Askarov trade, he will have some challenges. The team is pretty much capped out as a result of their offseason movement so far; they’re at a point where they might be trying to save a few bucks to have a shot at carrying more than a minimum-sized roster. That will limit them to trading for future assets, either draft picks or prospects. Speculatively, with the moves they’ve made so far, the latter might be their preferred option, getting someone around Askarov’s age who is close to being NHL-ready and could be called upon when injuries strike.
The moment Saros agreed to his max-term extension, the long-term future of Askarov with the Predators was called into question. Based on what his agent is suggesting, it might be fair to wonder about his short-term future with them as well.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Dan Milstein is now Allan Walsh, Version 2.0. I just hope NSH doesn’t piss away a potentially really good netminder, who was a first round draft choice.
@Mac – Considering that Askarov is an RFA after this season, Milstein will have the KHL card to play. I have to think Trotz is looking to flip Askarov for a center prospect, but that’s a difficult deal to pull off.
I think Trotz will move at least one of Glass or Fabbro (maybe both) to free up some cap space, so maybe a current roster center is a possibility.
@Gbear — And, it’s good that he won’t have arb rights yet. But, as you say, Milstein will play the KHL card. I would hate to see them get rid of him so early, as we may not have seen what his first round pedigree can be yet. If they could get him some quality NHL reps, maybe then the evaluation will be true, as to whether he’s ready for the Big Show.
@Mac – If only Poile had taken Seth Jarvis with that pick, we wouldn’t have this dilemma to deal with. Curse the former regime!!!
@Gbear — And in GMDP’s case, this isn’t 20/20 hindsight by us, as more than a few observers objected to some of his decisions in the moment they were made.
Thank you to Canes legend Patrick Marleau.
Devils should be all over this, he could be our long term answer for goalie
I’d say when ever Saros lands on the IL Askarov will make Wedgewood the redundant one…
It would seem that many teams would want Askarov, can’t believe teams wouldn’t give up a first round pick for him.
Detroit, Utah, SJ, Chicago, Columbus, Anaheim, and Seattle should all be vying for Askarov.
The guy needs to be in the NHL, it’s time.
He’s proven he’s an NHL player? How? By playing 3 NHL games over 2-years? I get he’s your client and it’s your job to sell him but let’s be honest, the only thing he’s proven is that he’s too good for the AHL. He’s the best goaltending prospect on earth but he’s not a proven NHLer just yet.
@stu18germanator
Truly. Three games makes one a proven NHL player? Ryan Poehling scored a hat trick his first game. 28 goals in the next 214.
And he lost the starters job during the playoffs in Milwaukee. If I’m Trotz, I sell why his value is still high.
A hat trick and a Shoot-out goal!! (GWSOG?)
I feel like keeping Saros, an already proven arguably top 5 goalie was a good move. For a team trying to compete why bet on a goalie who may never be as good but keep the guy you already know is gonna be great. That’s at least that’s my perspective coming from a Prefs fan who is very high on Askarov.
the issue is, they never even offered askarov a chance at the backup position by signing Wedgewood that basically yells to him “hey we don’t think you’re good enough to even try to make the roster”… Trotz just be pissing off all these prospects
Unfortunately the Devils shipped all their assets to Calgary and Vegas. Casey for Askorov is not happening.