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Barry Trotz revealed a statement on the recent rumors regarding goalie Yaroslav Askarov, stating that the team expects him to show up for training camp and compete for a spot.
It has now been reported that Askarov has asked to be traded and wouldn’t report to the Milwaukee Admirals if he’s sent down after training camp.
Predators’ general manager, Barry Trotz, has issued the following statement Monday morning:
“We are aware of the report today and our expectation is for the player to report to training camp and compete for a job in September.”
Askarov was once a top-10 goalie prospect, but he hasn’t secured a starting role in Nashville.
Entering the last year of his entry-level contract, he makes $925K and can be moved to the minors without waivers.
The 22-year-old has spent two seasons in North America, performing well in the AHL and making just a few NHL appearances. His chances in Nashville dimmed after the team signed goalie Juuse Saros to a long-term deal and brought in veteran Scott Wedgewood.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told that Top Goalie Prospect Askarov has informed the @PredsNHL that he will not report to their @TheAHL team, and has requested a trade. #HockeyX #Preds pic.twitter.com/EQFGs7FUJK— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) August 19, 2024
Askarov’s agent has been exploring options with the Predators, stating that Askarov is ready for the NHL- but with Nashville signing big names and moving out of rebuild mode, Askarov’s future with the team seems uncertain and the goaltender is clearly frustrated.
Askarov’s situation will attract teams needing goalie depth, like the Chicago Blackhawks who have a weak goaltender prospect pipline.
His future depends on finding a team needing his skills and having space for him.