Yaroslav Askarov's ex-GM Barry Trotz skeptical about Sharks goalie's NHL readiness

The Nashville Predators traded their top goalie prospect, Yaroslav Askarov, to the San Jose Sharks last week. The deal included a third-round pick and another prospect, Nolan Burke, with the Preds receiving a third-rounder in the 2025 NHL draft (originally belonging to the Golden Knights) in return.

The 22-year-old Russian goaltender subsequently signed a two-year contract with the Sharks that will begin in the 2025–26 season.

Askarov's former GM Barry Trotz has raised concerns about the young goalie's readiness for the NHL. Trotz reckons Askarov isn't quite there yet but has the potential to succeed if he dedicates himself and works on his game (via Score):

"You see some of the goaltenders, that they're just out of balance a little bit, and it's hard to get that consistency, but once they get that balance, they become very consistent, and they can be the top guy," he said. "So, I think Asky's not quite there yet. Will he be? Oh, yeah, eventually, if he puts the time in and does all the things that he needs to do."

Trotz expressed confidence in Askarov's potential, highlighting his impressive athletic skills and confidence.

However, the Preds GM noted that he's uncertain if Yaroslav Askarov has fully developed the mental aspects of following in the footsteps of becoming an elite goaltender. In an interview with The Athletic's Michael Russo, GM Trotz said (via Score):

"Asky is going to be an excellent goaltender because he's got unbelievable athletic skills, and he's got a very confident personality - all that. But if you talk to elite goaltenders, they won't talk about elite physical attributes. They'll talk about elite mentalities and elite mindsets and elite preparation and stuff like that. And I'm not quite sure that he's there yet."

Yaroslav Askarov reportedly asked for a trade from Predators

According to reports, Trotz traded Askarov to the Sharks after he requested a trade from the Predators and refused to report to the Milwaukee Admirals, an AHL affiliate to Nashville.

Yaroslav Askarov spent his early career with the Milwaukee Admirals before his trade to the Sharks. The 22-year-old goalie made his NHL debut in a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens during the 2022–23 season.

So far, Askarov has appeared in only three games in his NHL career, recording one win.