The Sharks swung for the fences and made a big trade with the Predators Friday afternoon, acquiring goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov, forward prospect Nolan Burke, and a 2025 third-round pick originally from the Colorado Avalanche from the Nashville Predators. The return to Nashville from San Jose consists of forward prospect David Edstrom, goalie Magnus Chrona, and a conditional 2025 first-round pick originally from the Vegas Golden Knights.
This is a huge and sneaky good trade for Team Teal, as they are getting the biggest fish in this deal in Yaroslav Askarov, who is deemed the best goalie prospect in the NHL and the Sharks' goalie of the future. This significant trade came about due to Yaroslav Askarov recently requesting a trade from the Predators, as he didn't see an opportunity to become the primary goaltender in Nashville after the Preds signed goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension this offseason. Drafted 11th overall by the Predators in 2020, Askarov primarily spent the past two seasons in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, posting a 30-13-1 record, six shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and .911 SV% in 44 games this past season, along with 26 wins, a 2.69 GAA, and a .911 SV% as an AHL rookie during the 2022-23 season. He also has a 1.47 GAA and a .943 SV% in two games with the Predators this past season. In total, Askarov has registered a 2.58 GAA and a .914 SV% in three NHL games with Nashville. In addition, Askarov helped guide the Admirals to the AHL Western Conference Finals for the past two seasons and represented Milwaukee in the AHL All-Star Classic in 2023 and 2024. Soon after this trade was completed, the Sharks signed Askarov to a two-year contract extension worth $4 million ($2 million AAV). He will almost certainly start next season as the Barracuda’s starting goalie in the AHL, but it won’t be long before Askarov earns more opportunities to shine in net at the big league level with Team Teal.
The other prospect acquired by the Sharks in this blockbuster deal, Nolan Burke, appeared in one game for the Admirals last season along with 47 ECHL games for the Atlanta Gladiators. During those 47 games for the Gladiators last season, Burke recorded five goals and ten assists for 15 points.
Overall, this trade helps solidify the goaltending position for the Sharks for many years to come and accelerate the Sharks’ rebuild by adding the best goalie prospect in the NHL. I am so grateful the Sharks pounced on this opportunity and didn’t have to give up a king’s ransom in return. This trade is a massive win for San Jose, and I am even more excited for this Sharks team to take further steps in its rebuild and compete for the playoffs once again sooner than later.
Sources: Sjsharks.com NHL Discussion via Instagram, Multiple sources via X
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