As the Sharks work through a trying time in their history, one key story so far this season has been Yaroslav Askarov and his performance in net. Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now shared earlier today an article published by fellow member, William Espy, on how the organization holds strong faith in Askarov through ups and downs.
Despite a 5.72 GAA and .838 SV% going into tonight, Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky emphasized that Askarov remains very young, raw, and has faced a lot of pressure. San Jose has more bright spots on the ice than previous years, but the job between the pipes in teal is still not exactly an easy one, as the team continues their hardcore rebuild.
Last summer GM Mike Grier made improving his back-end a key point of emphasis. Although players such as Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, and Nick Leddy are no longer what they once were, it is a considerable improvement, even just by veteran presence alone. Askarov’s interests were likely a factor.
Drafted 11th overall in 2020 by Nashville, Askarov was one of the most hyped up goaltender prospects in recent memory. Despite posting strong numbers in the AHL, the Predators, known for their keen ability to develop goalies, were not sold on the Russian and his electric yet sometimes polarizing style. They opted to lock up Juuse Saros long-term, and understandably, Askarov requested a trade.
San Jose, putting together a formidable young core, swooped in and added to it, dealing fellow goaltender Magnus Chrona, prospect David Edstrom, and a first round pick (originally owned by Vegas) for Askarov. While Nashville hopes Edstrom can become a top six forward, if Askarov can reach his potential, which is still absolutely possible, it does not feel like a lot to give up; goalies like him do not come along often. The Russian is the whole package: size, athleticism, and a bit of a unicorn catching right.
Many netminders take time to develop, going through growing pains, especially in an environment such as San Jose. The biggest challenge for Warsofsky is making sure Askarov, along with many of his young skaters, are not overwhelmed and therefore hurting their development, along with simple patience.
Sure enough, tonight, Askarov played much better in New Jersey, stopping 26 of 28 shots including several highlight reel saves. Despite the efforts, the Sharks took the loss, unfortunately a result he will probably have to face often for the foreseeable future.
If this is golf Askarov is killing it
I’ve been hearing about this guy forever but those numbers are horrific at best. I thought Soderblom was bad in 23/24 but this guy makes him look like Ken Dryden during that year;.
Mm: on the one hand, he’s got crap numbers and looks like he’s not ready for prime time. On the other, three games isn’t an enormous sample.
how much faith in askorov was there when they drafted ravensbergen in the first round ? guess you can never have too many top goalie prospects
That last sentence is the key.
If you have too many good goalies, some team will take one off your hands.
Always thought he’d be a bust. Lost his starting spot 2 postseasons in a row in the AHL. Disappears when relied on.
Hes the only reason they won a round last year in the AHL en ended with 1.68 and 935%.
Preds could’ve taken Seth Jarvis in that draft. Another David Poile gaffe.
This was the two postseasons prior to that. Played behind good teams too.
anyone that thinks Edstrom is going to even get close to top 6 material is absolutely delusional… I dont see him even peaking past a 4th liner… he hasn’t impressed me at all with the Admirals… yes he scored a goal the other night but outside of that the dude is virtually invisible everynight
So another prototypical Preds forward? ;)