Preds GM Barry Trotz addresses Yaroslav Askarov's trade request

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 20, 2024 04:18 GMT

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz addressed rumors about goaltender Yaroslav Askarov on Monday. NHL Network's Kevin Weekes said on X (formerly Twitter) that Askarov, a top prospect, had requested a trade.

"I’m told that Top Goalie Prospect Askarov has informed the @PredsNHL that he will not report to their @TheAHL team, and has requested a trade," Weekes shared on X.

Trotz responded, saying Askarov is expected to attend training camp in September and compete for a roster spot.

"We are aware of the report today, and our expectation is for the player to report to training camp and compete for a job in September," Trotz said.

Trotz's comments seemed to dismiss the trade rumors, indicating that the team plans to keep Askarov. It suggests that the Predators still view Askarov as a key part of their future.

Yaroslav Askarov, the 11th pick in 2020, started his NHL journey with the Predators in 2023 against Montreal. He mostly played in the AHL with Milwaukee, appearing in 92 regular-season games and 17 playoff games. Despite limited NHL time, he's still seen as one of the league’s promising young goaltenders.

Kevin Weekes reported that Askarov would reject an assignment to Milwaukee if sent down. Nevertheless, Barry Trotz is confident in the team’s goaltending. In June, before the NHL Draft, Trotz confirmed that he wouldn’t trade Askarov or Juuse Saros, who has signed an eight-year extension.

"You're ready when you're ready, not when your agent says you're ready, or when management says you're ready, or the fans or media," Trotz said on june 27."

Barry Trotz has always shared a patient approach to developing players. If Askarov pushes for a trade, Trotz might have to choose between keeping him or exploring trade options.

For now, Askarov will have a chance to earn a spot on the Predators' roster during training camp. The upcoming months will be key in deciding his future in Nashville.

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Teams that could trade for Yaroslav Askarov

Yaroslav Askarov has asked for a trade from the Nashville Predators, The Hockey News reports.

With Juuse Saros signed for eight years and Scott Wedgewood for two, Askarov’s future as a top goalie in Nashville is unclear. That opens the door for other teams to trade for the young goalie.

Here are three teams that might be interested:

• Montreal Canadiens: Samuel Montembeault is the starter, but adding Askarov could strengthen their goaltending and help their rebuild.
• San Jose Sharks: With Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanacek in goal, the Sharks could benefit from Askarov to improve their netminding.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Elvis Merzlikins has struggled, so Columbus might see Askarov as a future starter. They could consider including Patrik Laine in a trade to balance the deal.

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