Yaroslav Askarov's Memorable San Jose Debut Shows What's to Come for the Sharks

Yaroslav Askarov had no shortage of critics this past summer when word got out that he wanted to be traded out of the Nashville Predators organization.

Nashville had selected Askarov 11th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft before signing him for two seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals. The pipeline from Milwaukee to Nashville has given hope after hope for the better part of a quarter century. Less than the likes of Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros had taken that route the Predators had put before Askarov.

But when the Predators signed Saros to an eight-year contract extension and signed free agent Scott Wedgewood, it quickly became clear that Askarov's road to Nashville would be delayed if not completely blocked. So on August 23, Nashville general manager Barry Trotz sent the 22-year-old Askarov west to the San Jose Sharks. It wasn't a small return, either, as it cost the Sharks a conditional 2025 first-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick in center David Edstrom, and goaltender Magnus Chrona.

However, as it happened, Askarov returned to the AHL, but under very different circumstances. He's now with the San Jose Barracuda, but there's a clear road to the NHL's number one job. The Sharks have been completely rebuilt, and management has made that clear. Sharks goalkeepers Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek are only signed at the end of this season, so the Sharks' netminder picture is not yet confirmed.

But if all goes well, they want Askarov to take that job. A strong first impression never hurts, and Askarov made one this past Saturday night as the Barracuda opened their season in Ontario. Reign presented a tough test, too, wearing a line that included Samuel Fagemo (43 goals in 50 games last season), Glenn Gawdin, and Charles Hudon among others.

Askarov delivered, holding the Barracuda in the game before they pulled away for good with three third-period goals for a 5-0 victory. For Askarov, it was a 22-save shutout after finishing second in the AHL in 2023-24 with six. That victory was complete with the celebration he made famous with the Admirals.

WELCOME TO SAN JOSE, YAROSLAV ASKAROV!

Found by @SanJoseSharks In the summer, Askarov defends his first shutout of the year @sjbarracuda in their season opener! 🚫🥅#AHL #The Future Works #DecadeinSJ pic.twitter.com/p8FfSqpY2S

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 13, 2024

Blackwood started the Sharks' opening night last Thursday, stopping 35 shots in a 5-4 loss to St. Vanecek took his turn two nights later with 28 in the Sharks' 2-0 win over Anaheim. Both of those goalkeepers will fight for time in net this season while one of the best players in the game continues to learn with the Barracuda.

But how long? There's still a lot of time to go as this season gets underway, but if and when the Sharks decide to promote Askarov it will be one of the biggest stories in the AHL this season.

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