It didn't have to be like this. One of the best young goaltending prospects in the NHL, Yaroslav Askarov had long been the assumed heir apparent for the Nashville Predators' net behind Juuse Saros. But when Saros signed an eight-year contract extension and the Predators signed Scott Wedgewood to a two-year deal on July 1, many wondered what that meant for Askarov's future with the organization. Askarov, the Predators’ first-round draft pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, was thrust into the spotlight this week when NHL analyst Kevin Weekes reported that the young goaltender asked for a trade [https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/1825522460185198916]. Weekes also reported that Askarov has told the team he will not report to Nashville’s American Hockey League affiliate in Milwaukee if assigned there. Nashville Predators goaltender Scott Wedgewood and defenseman Brady Skjei speak to the media in person for the first time since signing contracts in free agency on July 1. Admittedly, it's difficult to see Askarov having a future with the Predators. It's also difficult to blame him for wanting to leave. But it didn't have to be like this. Perhaps Askarov's request simply added urgency to what was already the likeliest course of action for general manager Barry Trotz and the Predators; but it also feels shortsighted and potentially damaging to the young goaltender's reputation. Askarov is a top prospect at his position, and for good reason. He has put together back-to-back All-Star campaigns with Milwaukee in his first two seasons of North American professional hockey. He made over 40 appearances each year and posted a combined 2.55 GAA and .911 SV% with nine shutouts and a 56-29-6 record in 92 games. It's an impressive resume for a prospect, but it's hardly indicative of his NHL readiness. It's important to remember that Askarov is only 22 years old, has just three games of NHL experience and has lost his starter's net in back-to-back Calder Cup playoffs. Requesting a trade is one thing, but refusing to report back to the AHL when he has yet to prove that he can handle the pressure of the postseason is an incredibly bold stand to take. Askarov may think he is ready to take the next step in his career and compete at the NHL level. However, as Trotz said in June, "you're ready when you're ready, not when your agent says you're ready, or when management says you're ready, or the fans or media." Askarov had an opportunity to continue to develop under high-caliber coaching in a franchise known for producing quality goaltenders. Even if he didn't want to remain with Nashville, he could still take advantage of the opportunity for another year before departing for another organization that would give him a clearer path to an NHL starter's crease. In choosing this path, Askarov has chosen the hard way. He could have made the same decision but have walked it out with more maturity; instead, he hurt himself and his reputation. Again, it's difficult to blame Askarov for wanting to go to an organization where he has a shorter, more direct path to the NHL. But in choosing to go about it this way, he has revealed a certain level of immaturity, a distorted sense of self importance and a failure to see the big picture. Askarov plays with a level of passion and emotion that is practically unmatched at any level of the sport. That passion and emotion can be one of his greatest strengths; but, unfortunately, it can also be his biggest downfall. In taking a stand and saying that he does not plan to report to Milwaukee, he is letting his emotions get the best of him, and it's going to hurt him in the long run. In response to Weekes' report about Askarov, Trotz said in a statement that "the expectation is for the player to report to training camp and compete for a job in September." Remember, Askarov is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and will become a restricted free agent next summer without arbitration rights. Trotz is in no hurry to oblige his trade request if he believes it will net Nashville a subpar return. In other words, Askarov had better get comfortable in Milwaukee. Make no mistake; Askarov is an incredible talent. If NHL readiness was based on skill alone, he would already be there. But skill is only half of the equation, and he is proving that singlehandedly. Askarov needs to earn his way to the NHL with good play and a good attitude, just like the many players who have come before him. He could have played hard, practiced hard, learned a lot, lost the attitude and let his game do the talking. But in drawing this line in the sand, he is only reinforcing the Predators' assessment that he needs more time to develop – and he's letting other NHL teams know that he isn't as ready as he thinks he is. It didn't have to be like this.
