A slap in the face of goaltender Yaroslav Askarov reignites rumors of a trade to Montreal
The San Jose Sharks paid a hefty price to acquire one of the top goaltending prospects in the NHL, Yaroslav Askarov, this summer, but now the Californian team has sent their netminder to the minors.
It's worth recalling that Russian goaltender Yaroslav Askarov had protested when the Nashville Predators decided to add Scott Wedgewood as their second goalie at the opening of free agency on July 1st.
The Sharks seized the opportunity to add Askarov to their roster. In return, they traded Magnus Chrona, David Edstrom, and a 2025 first-round pick.
Just a few weeks after this trade, the Sharks have now sent Yaroslav Askarov to the American Hockey League (AHL). It's a cold shower for the Russian goalie.
This personnel move by the Sharks could spark anger in Askarov, and who knows, it could turn into an interesting opportunity for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens.
Yaroslav Askarov sent to the AHL: A new conflict brewing?
The San Jose Sharks didn't just reassign young goalie Yaroslav Askarov; they cut him from the main team to send him down to the American Hockey League.
Wow.
He wanted nothing to do with playing in the minors, which is why he requested a trade from the Preds.
The Sharks have opted to rely on Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek in net rather than the young Russian prodigy. This decision is likely to fuel trade rumors this week.
Details to follow.
| POLL | ||
Who is the best goalie? | ||
| Scott Wedgewood | 8 | 4.9 % |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | 22 | 13.4 % |
| Vitek Vanecek | 24 | 14.6 % |
| Yaroslav Askarov | 110 | 67.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
