Sharks Cut Top Goalie Prospect Askarov Who Previously Demanded Trade for NHL Ice Time
Photo credit: Fear the Fin
The San Jose Sharks may have a bit of a problem on their hands with top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov.
The Sharks traded to acquire the 22 year old goaltender this offseason from the Nashville Predators. Askarov had told the Predators he would refuse to play in the AHL this year, which led to a trade request. Unfortunately things haven't improved for Askarov in San Jose, as news broke today that he's been cut from their NHL roster.
Askarov will now have to report to the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL, even though he clearly believes he's ready for the big league. In fairness to Askarov, he wasn't able to play much in training camp due to an injury that he's just recovered from. If he can put together a few solid starts in the AHL as a rehab stint, it's likely he gets the call up early in the year.
Askarov was drafted 11th overall by the Predators in 2020, and is considered to be one of the top goalie prospects outside the NHL. In 44 AHL games last year, Askarov posted a decent 2.39 GAA and .911 save percentage. The talent is there for Askarov, but he just hasn't found the opportunity in the NHL yet.
Even on the Sharks, Askarov has a tall task to get starting opportunities. San Jose has a tandem of two B-tier goalies in Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek, so they'll likely have to trade a goalie before there's even room to call up Askarov.
We'll have to see what happens in the next few weeks, but the San Jose Sharks may be quickly forced into a goalie trade. Either they move out a veteran goalie, or who knows, maybe Askarov could demand another trade to get NHL minutes.
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