Yaroslav Askarov has officially requested a trade, informing the Nashville Predators that he won't be reporting to the Milwaukee Admirals, their AHL affiliate. This move opens the door for the Seattle Kraken to consider making a serious push for the talented young goaltender.
Kevin Weekes was the first to break the news, prompting Predators GM Barry Trotz to respond quickly.
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 stated.
Drafted 11th overall by Nashville in the 2020 NHL Draft, Askarov was seen as a bold selection given that Juuse Saros had already solidified himself as the team's top goaltender. Saros, considered one of the league's elite, was re-signed to an eight-year extension, and Nashville added Scott Wedgewood with a two-year deal. It's no surprise that Askarov is growing frustrated, as he continues to prove his talent yet sees his path to the NHL blocked.
Last season, the 22-year-old netminder showcased his potential, ranking among the top AHL goaltenders with a .911 save percentage and 2.39 goals against average across 44 games.
For the Kraken, who are loaded with forward prospects and have a strong defensive pipeline, acquiring Askarov could be a game-changer. Their goaltending prospect pool lacks the star power needed to secure a future starter, with Niklas Kokko being the only promising candidate. A trade for Askarov would instantly elevate their depth in goal and bring immediate stability.
Beyond just the prospect level, Askarov could make an impact at the NHL level right away. The Kraken's goaltending situation is shaky-Philipp Grubauer has struggled to justify his contract throughout his Seattle tenure, and while Joey Daccord had a strong 2023-24 season, he remains largely untested.
As of now, Seattle hasn't been linked to the Askarov trade discussions, but with the news still fresh, they could soon join the mix. Although the price for Askarov would likely be high, acquiring a potential franchise goaltender at this stage is a rare and invaluable opportunity for any NHL team.
