As we know, Yaroslav Askarov has left for San Jose to join the Sharks.
Askarov is considered the best goaltending prospect since Carey Price.
However, the Nashville Predators extended Juuse Saros’ contract for eight years this summer, which didn’t please Askarov.
Askarov has made it clear that he doesn’t want to play in the AHL next year.
Trading the top prospect was therefore the obvious solution for Nashville, but Barry Trotz told The Tennessean that the team had a plan for him.
Nashville Predators, Mitch Korn had comprehensive plan for Yaroslav Askarov before trade https://t.co/FXyjzZMYLW
– tnsports (@tnsports) August 27, 2024
The plan wasn’t detailed in the article, but, basically, the Preds intended to play him with Saros and rely on their very fine history of goalie development.
What’s more, a goalie specialist was part of the plan: Mitch Korn.
He had already worked with Dominik Hasek, no less, as well as Pekka Rinne, Thomas Vokoun and Braden Holtby.
He is therefore well known to the organization and his work is recognized throughout the NHL.
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Nashville has always been excellent at developing its goalkeepers and thought it might be able to convince the 22-year-old Russian.
The latter, however, had his mind set on playing in the NHL and becoming a #1 goalie as quickly as possible.
And with the Sharks, his wish will soon come true.
On the other hand, I don’t think it’s the best decision for his actual development.
When you have the chance to work with one of the best in your field and your team wants to get you to the highest possible level, the decision is simple.
If I’d been Askarov, I’d have stayed in Nashville, even if it meant playing a few games in the AHL to prove he belonged there.
In any case, it’s not Scott Wedgewood who’s untouchable, as he’s currently the #2 goalie behind Saros.
The veteran was still excellent in Dallas when Jake Oettinger was injured, but if Askarov is really ready for the NHL, the Predators would have made room for him.
Starting your NHL career as a #2 in Saros, plus working with a recognized specialist in a club with an excellent development track record, wouldn’t have been bad.
Overtime
– Interesting.
Jesse Marsch on Samuel Piette’s non-selection:
“I talked to Samuel. I told him I’d enjoyed his last few games, but that in this window there was less room.
We wanted to see Niko (Sigur) and so I judged that to maintain the team it was… pic.twitter.com/fBiotFzTZr
– Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) August 27, 2024
– Indeed.
In an interview with @MartinLemay, André Tourigny revealed that he was very happy (and lucky) to have been able to get his hands on Mikhail Sergachev!💪
The full interview: https://t.co/AiSaQKhhqB pic.twitter.com/LwH8YdeqRj
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) August 27, 2024
– Too bad.
After Auger-Aliassime, it’s Shapovalov’s turn to go down in the first round #USOpen2024 https://t.co/pjo6gL9Heb
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 27, 2024