Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz has spoken openly about a trade for top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks. That move would have come after a public outcry from Askarov’s camp, which Trotz said would have put the Predators in a challenging position.
While the deal would have sent Askarov and forward Nolan Burke, a 2025 third-round pick, to San Jose, it also brought in center David Edstrom, a 2025 first-round pick, and goaltender Magnus Krona. And then speaking on the TSN Overdrive podcast, Trotz acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with a top prospect.
Trotz further revealed that he had been assured Askarov would be given enough playing time this season and that renowned goaltending coach Mitch Korn had been brought back to aid Askarov’s development.
The experienced coach also said that he would have no problem with Askarov serving as a backup in Nashville this season and would like to make sure he gets enough games and support. But he understands Yaroslav Askarov’s point of view and doesn’t want the situation to go as expected.
Trotz acknowledged that the Predators may have suffered because of the demand for public transportation. Barry Trotz believes he got fair value in traffic and has become optimistic about the future.
San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier On Signing Yaroslav Askarov
Then general manager Mike Greer sees tremendous potential in the 22-year-old Russian netminder. He believes Yaroslav Askarov is a goaltender who has the skills needed to be an everyday NHL player. And then Yaroslav Askarov appeared in two games for the Predators last season, posting a 1.47 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. Then in three NHL games of his career, he had a GAA of 2.58 and a save percentage of .914.
