In a surprising move, Yaroslav Askarov, the talented goaltender, is packing his bags and heading to the San Jose Sharks. The Nashville Predators have traded Askarov, along with centre Nolan Burke and a third-round pick in 2025, to the Sharks in exchange for a 2025 first-round selection, centre David Edstrom, and goaltender Magnus Chrona.
The decision to trade Askarov came after the young goalie reportedly asked for a trade earlier in the week. This move comes on the heels of the Predators re-signing their starting netminder, Jusse Saros, to a lucrative eight-year, $61.92 million deal on July 1. Saros, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season, now solidifies his position as the Predators’ top goalie.
Askarov, 22, showed promise in his limited action with the Predators last season, posting impressive numbers in both the NHL and AHL. In two NHL games, Askarov boasted a .943 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average. His performance with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals was equally strong, with a .911 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA in 50 games played.
Standing tall at 6-foot-3, Askarov is entering the final season of his three-year entry-level contract and is poised to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The young Russian goalie was selected 11th overall by the Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft and has already made a name for himself on the international stage, representing his country in two World Junior Championships and earning a silver medal in 2020.
The trade has generated mixed reactions among fans and analysts alike. Some believe that Askarov’s potential is too great to let go, while others see the acquisition of Edstrom and Chrona as a necessary move to bolster the Predators’ roster depth. Only time will tell if this trade will prove to be a win-win for both teams involved.
