Predators trade Askarov to Sharks in 4-player deal
The Nashville Predators traded goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, forward Nolan Burke, and a 2025 third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks for forward David Edstrom, goaltender Magnus Chrona, and a 2025 conditional first-round pick, the teams announced Friday.
San Jose then signed Askarov to a two-year extension worth $2 million annually, according to PuckPedia. He has one more season remaining on his current pact with a $925,000 cap hit and could have become a restricted free agent once it expired.
"It's a really big day for our franchise," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said, per The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka. "To have an opportunity to add Askarov to our group is really exciting. I think it kind of breathes some more positive energy into the group."
The pick headed Nashville's way originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights. If Vegas' selection next year is a top-10 selection, San Jose has the right to transfer either its pick or its division rival's to Nashville.
Askarov reportedly requested to be traded and said he wouldn't report to AHL Milwaukee if he didn't make the Predators. Nashville disputed the rumor Monday, and general manager Barry Trotz said he expected the netminder at training camp in September.
Grier said he doesn't expect there to be an issue if Askarov has to report to the AHL's San Jose Barracuda to start the campaign, per NBC Sports' Sheng Peng.
Several teams called about Askarov's availability over the summer after the Predators inked Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension. Nashville also signed veteran backup Scott Wedgewood in free agency, potentially blocking Askarov's path to an NHL role this season.
The Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils were among the teams to recently inquire about Askarov, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman notes.
Askarov was the 11th overall pick in 2020 and is widely considered one of the league's top goaltending prospects. He's made three NHL appearances over the past two seasons and has posted a .911 save percentage in back-to-back years in the minors.
The 22-year-old will compete with Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood for playing time in San Jose's crease this coming campaign.
The Sharks finished dead last in the NHL in 2023-24.