Yaroslav Askarov trade rumors heat up as two teams emerge as frontrunners

Yaroslav Askarov's situation has become more urgent following the Predators' decision to extend Juuse Saros and acquire Scott Wedgewood, leaving Askarov in search of an NHL opportunity.

The trade request from Yaroslav Askarov, who has shown promise but has played only three NHL games, comes in light of the Predators' moves to secure their net. General Manager Barry Trotz's decision to sign Saros to an eight-year, $7.74M AAV extension and to bring in Wedgewood has effectively crowded Askarov's path to a starting role in Nashville.

Saros, who has been with the Predators since being drafted 99th overall in 2013, boasts a solid 182-119-32 record across 350 NHL games, with a 2.63 GAA and a .917 SV%. His extension solidifies his place in Nashville for the foreseeable future.

Similarly, Wedgewood, drafted 84th overall in 2010, has been a reliable backup in the NHL, spending the last two seasons with the Dallas Stars. His 2023-24 performance included a 16-7-5 record with a 2.85 GAA and a .899 SV%.

Michael Gallagher highlighted on X, the Sharks and Hurricanes as key teams to watch in the Yaroslav Askarov's trade scenario:

Selected 11th-overall by Nashville in 2020, Yaroslav Askarov is the highest drafted Russian goaltender in history.

Yaroslav Askarov, 22, has impressed with a .914 SV% and a 2.57 GAA in his limited NHL appearances, and has been consistent in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, holding a GAA below 2.70 and a .911 SV% over the past two years.

The Carolina Hurricanes, aiming for another deep playoff run, could find Yaroslav Askarov to be a crucial addition. Conversely, the San Jose Sharks, currently in a rebuilding phase with promising young talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, could accelerate their rebuild with Askarov's potential.

With the NHL training camp approaching, the situation surrounding Askarov's future remains dynamic. The Predators' decision will be pivotal in shaping the goaltender's next chapter.

Source for Yaroslav Askarov's statistics: Hockey DB

Source for Scott Wedgewood's statistics: Hockey DB

Source for Juuse Saros' statistics: Hockey DB