Yaroslav Askarov Might Be Available. What Would It Take For The Blue Jackets To Get Him?

Yaroslav Askarov Might Be Available. What Would It Take For The Blue Jackets To Get Him?

When the Nashville Predators signed Juuse Saros to an 8-year extension, many asked what that meant for young Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov. But when they went out and signed veteran Scott Wedgewood on July 1st, attention immediately turned to Askarov and how he would react. 

Rumors say that Askarov is available for trade and that on draft day, a trade involving a top-five pick couldn't be worked out. The reported ask is an "established NHL player, or a prospect with a high ceiling." 

So, what would it take for the Blue Jackets to get Askarov?

Would Don Waddell entertain trading Kent Johnson and Daniil Tarasov for Yaroslav Askarov? Waddell isn't afraid to make moves, we all know that. And with the massive question mark at the goalie position, this could be the trade that erases that question mark. 

Although Daniil Tarasov came on strong toward the end of the year, many still have doubts that he can be a #1 goalie. In Nashville, he could learn from one of the best goalies in the world in Juuse Saros. Tarasov went 8-11-3 with a save % .908. It is important to note that he didn't see his first game action until mid-December due to injury. He has one year left on his current contract with an AAV of $1,050,000. He will then be an RFA. 

Kent Johnson had a pretty rough sophomore season. Between injuries, slumps, and demotions to the AHL, he only played 42 games for Columbus and could only muster 16 points. Experts say that Kent Johnson's ceiling is much higher than he played in his first two seasons. There's also the question of what position he is best suited for, center or wing. With the addition of Sean Monahan to go along with Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Sean Kuraly, you can't really see him playing center any time soon. Let's not forget they just took Cayden Lindstrom with the fourth overall pick, who also plays center. 

Yaroslav Askarov is 56-29-6 for the Milwaukee Admirals and has a save % of .911. In 17 Calder Cup Playoff appearances, he is 8-9 with a save % of .893. He is widely regarded as the Predators' top prospect, so, understandably, they want a top prospect in return for him. Askarov is an RFA after this next season. 

The Jackets have the pieces to make a move like this. Would either Waddell or Preds GM Barry Trotz dare pull this off? The Predators made their decision in goal by signing Saros to an 8-year deal, so they have to do something with Askarov anyway. They've mentioned that he will just be sent back to the AHL, but I'm sure he isn't happy with that. The Predators absolutely loaded up on July 1st and plan on trying to win for the next few years. 

And if the Jackets are not high on Tarasov, why not go out and get a goalie that could replace both him and Elvis Merzļikins in the future?

I'm sure Don Waddell is exploring all options, but this one should probably be high on his wish list.  

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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