Predators Prospect Yaroslav Askarov: Bright Future But a Few Questions
The young Russian goaltender is a top prospect, but his development may raise a few questions for the Nashville Predators in the near future.
Predators Prospect Yaroslav Askarov: Bright Future But a Few QuestionsYaroslav Askarov is one of the best goaltending prospects in hockey right now. The 21-year-old goaltender was drafted 11th overall by the Predators in 2020 — the highest a Russian goaltender has been selected in NHL draft history. It wasn't easy to see what the Predators had in Askarov initially as his play was limited to just 15 games in the KHL from 2020-2022.
Last season Askarov got back to the crease regularly in Milwaukee and showed why the Predators thought highly enough of his talent to select him in the first round. As The Hockey News writer Toni Ferrari mentioned in his article on the Predators prospects, Askarov has plenty of upside:
Fortunately for Trotz, he wasn’t left with a bare cupboard, and the Preds have quietly built up a solid prospect pool. Yaroslav Askarov is one of the best goalie prospects in the world. The debate between Askarov, Jesper Wallstedt and Dustin Wolf can go any way depending on your allegiance, but most would agree that Askarov’s athleticism and ability to come out of his technique to make saves gives him the highest upside. His technique isn’t as refined as the other two, but he has some of the most refined skating of any netminder prospect in years. Askarov manages his depth in the crease so effectively as a result of his mobility, which allows him to challenge shooters and make his 6-foot-4 frame even larger than it is. He can get a bit hectic at times because he understands he can make saves that most other goalies could only dream of, but he has controlled the wild side of his game a great deal over the last year. (Tony Ferrari, 2023-24 NHL Prospect Pool Overview: Nashville Predators)
That hectic side of Askarov's game can be both blessing and curse. He plays aggressively and isn't afraid to come out of the crease. While it has made for some highlight reel saves including a bold poke check during a shootout in a game against the Toronto Marlins last season, it's also resulted in a few unfortunate goals. One thing you can count on when Askarov is in net — he will never be boring.
The Predators like what they’ve seen so far. Last season Askarov played 48 games for the Milwaukee Admirals. At the beginning of the season, Askarov split starts with goalie partner Devin Cooley but quickly earned the starting job for the Admirals. In the regular season, he earned a .911 save percentage and 2.69 goals against average. He also recorded four assists. Askarov played 12 postseason games and recorded a 2.70 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Askarov carried the Admirals to their deep postseason run, but it was Cooley who finished the postseason in net for the Admirals. Cooley and Askarov were a fantastic goaltending tandem for Milwaukee in both the regular and post season. Unrestricted free agent Cooley signed with the Sabres in June, and in 2023-24 Askarov will be backed up and mentored by veteran Troy Grosenick.
On January 11, the Predators recalled Askarov after Nashville backup Kevin Lankinen was unable to participate in morning skate. The team downplayed the recall calling it "precautionary", but Askarov made his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens on January 12. The young goalie made 31 saves on 35 shots, but the Predators lost 4-3.
General Managers around the NHL are well aware of what Yaroslav Askarov could mean to a team looking for a future star in net. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the goalie prospect's name entered the chat when the Predators were exploring the possibility of moving up to a top five spot in the 2023 draft. Trading away the goaltending future of the franchise didn't happen, but there is no doubt that Askarov is one of Nashville's most valuable bargaining chips when it comes to potential big deals.
Talk of trades aside, Askarov's style of play and development trajectory bring up a few questions for General Manger Barry Trotz. First, the Predators will have to decide how much more refining of Askarov's game might be necessary for his NHL future. Perhaps continued experience in net this season in Milwaukee will help the young goalie find that balance between his aggressive approach and a more traditional stay at home style of play all on his own. Obviously, Nashville likes what they see, but can Askarov make adjustments to his game without losing his magic?
Juuse Saros's current contract expires at the end of 2024-2025 and back up Kevin Lankinen is in Nashville this season on a one year deal. It would make sense that Askarov steps into that back up role in Nashville when Lankinen moves on, but a Saros/Askarov tandem in 2024-2025 raises questions as well. It would be a big change for Saros to share starts. Saros is used to carrying a heavy workload, but continuing to give him 65 starts a season wouldn't give his heir apparent important NHL experience in net.
How this roster reset goes will also factor into goaltending decisions over the next few seasons. If the Predators get back to postseason contention more quickly, Barry Trotz will have to decide whether to risk another temporary step back by going with Askarov as the starter in 2025-26, bank on the team's potential and re-sign Saros to give the team that advantage in playoffs, or search for a veteran who can briefly share starts until Askarov is truly ready for a full time gig that includes a potential deep postseason run.
Setting aside all of the on ice questions about Askarov's future in the NHL, one thing is for certain. The Predators' prospect has quickly endeared himself to the Milwaukee and Nashville fan bases with his big personality and endless enthusiasm. While he takes his on ice role very seriously, Askarov's gregarious nature comes through in his interactions with teammates and fans. When he becomes a regular NHL player, he'll be a fun ambassador for a league that could use a player with plenty of personality.