SAN JOSE — In a blockbuster trade, the San Jose Sharks on Friday acquired goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, a 2025 third-round draft pick, and forward Nolan Burke from the Nashville Predators in exchange for David Edstrom, a 2025 first-round selection — which originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights — and goaltender Magnus Chrona.
Per the Sharks, should the Vegas choice be a top-10 pick, San Jose will have the choice to transfer either their own first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft or the Vegas selection.
“Yaroslav is a goaltender who has the tools to become an everyday NHL goaltender,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “His ability to position himself effectively, vision, and athletic ability have been on display in the last few seasons, and he is a strong young addition to our goaltending group. We are happy to have him a part of the organization.”
Askarov, 22, appeared in two games for Nashville last season, earning a 1-0-0 record with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. He’s appeared in three total NHL games, all with Nashville, and owns a 2.58 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
The 6-foot-4 Askarov was named to the AHL’s Top Prospects team after he went 30-13-1 in 44 appearances for Milwaukee, Nashville’s top farm team, this season. He was tied for second in the AHL in wins, ranked fifth with a 2.39 goals-against average, and second with six shutouts.
But Askarov appeared to be blocked out of an NHL job after the Predators signed Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension — that kicks in next year — earlier this year and brought in veteran Scott Wedgewood on a two-year deal to back him up.
Last week, per a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, Askarov, feeling he was ready to play in the NHL, told the Predators he would not report to Milwaukee this season and requested a trade.
Please check back for updates to this developing story.
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