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Askarov: Barry Trotz disappointed to see him leave as he had a plan for him

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.

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.

– Indeed.

– Too bad.