The Nashville Predators’ top goalie prospect, Yaroslav Askarov, is moving to the San Jose Sharks.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Sharks will get Askarov, forward Nolan Burke, and Colorado’s third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. In return, Nashville receives forward David Edstrom, goalie Magnus Chrona, and Vegas’ first-round pick in 2025. This trade is a big win for the Sharks as they needed a strong goalie. They already have young talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith but lacked a solid goaltender. Now with Askarov, who has been great in the AHL for two years, they fill that gap perfectly.
Askarov’s journey to stardom took time. He was the top European goalie in the 2020 NHL Draft and was picked 11th overall by Nashville. That year he played 18 games for SKA-Neva St. Petersburg with impressive stats: a .920 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average . After some years in Russia’s junior league, he signed with Nashville in 2022 and joined their AHL team for the 2022-23 season where he shined again.
Fans might feel excited about this news because it shows how much potential Askarov has.
Sharks’ Goalie Situation:
Nashville had to make tough choices with their goalies over nearly two decades of strong performances from Pekka Rinne to Juuse Saros. Trade talks started for both Askarov and Saros before Saros got an eight-year extension this summer. Despite trade rumors, Askarov dominated again last season in the AHL but requested a trade after Scott Wedgewood was signed as Saros’ backup.
Askarov may not start immediately since Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek are already there . But given his talent and Sharks’ current situation, he could become their main goalie by season’s end.
Nashville’s Return Package:
Nashville gets almost identical pieces as they did when trading Tomas Hertl earlier this year: Edstrom (drafted 32nd overall by Vegas) is growing well in SHL with Frölunda HC on loan; he’s expected to be a good middle-six option later on ; Chrona will likely be used mostly by Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville’s AHL affiliate). He helped Denver Pioneers win their ninth national championship during Frozen Four tournament ; finished senior year with an impressive record too!
The first-round pick from Vegas is top-10 protected according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff ; if it falls within top ten picks then either theirs or Vegas’ choice goes instead! Although Edstrom may not have been exactly what Nashville wanted initially for trading away someone like Askarov earlier this summer – still improved significantly through free agency acquisitions such as Steven Stamkos Jonathan Marchessault Brady Skjei plus three first-round picks now lined up ahead!
What do you think about these moves?
