Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s one thing to see the writing on the wall. It’s another to see your future explained in flashing neon lights. And when Juuse Saros signed a cash extension with the Nashville Predators in July, followed shortly thereafter by the Preds’ signing of veteran second lineman Scott Wedgewood, upstart goalie Yaroslav Askarov couldn’t ignore what was staring him in the face : A gigantic sign letting him know that his hope of becoming the NHL’s No. 1 was not going to happen in Music City.
By all indications, of course, that’s not how it was supposed to happen. Selected 11th overall in 2020, Askarov was, and still is, considered one of the best goalie prospects in the world. He seemed destined to be brought to the top job in Nashville, just as Saros had been by Predators icon Pekka Rinne. But with Askarov’s path to the NHL blocked by Saros’ new long-term deal, he wanted a fresh start. I wanted a chance.
And in August, after a month of rumors and trade talks, Askarov got it.
Days after reports surfaced that Askarov had requested a trade from Nashville, the San Jose Sharks acquired the 22-year-old netminder in a trade that general manager Mike Grier said was a golden opportunity for his franchise. “We’re very confident it will be number one,” Grier said.
“You don’t have many chances to add players of this caliber in this position. “It’s the hardest position to recruit, develop and find, and to be able to get someone like this and add him to our group, we’re very excited.” – Sharks GM Mike Grier on Askarov joining the San Jose Sharks
Not that Grier needed much cajoling to add a prospect as coveted as Askarov, but an integral part of the Sharks’ decision to pull the trigger was the positive response from San Jose-area resident experts, led by director of goalkeeper Evgeni Nabokov. And if anyone knows a thing or two about being a young Russian in the Sharks’ blue paint, it’s Nabokov, who arrived in San Jose in 2000 when he was 24 and spent the next decade as the franchise’s starting goaltender. .
When it comes to Askarov, however, Nabokov is quick to temper expectations. “Everyone has their own route to the NHL,” Nabokov said. “Some children adapt very quickly; some children don’t. And to be honest with you, I still don’t know.”
Don’t take that to mean that Nabokov is not optimistic about Askarov’s ability. The former Sharks stopper has had his eye on his compatriot since Askarov was a teenager, and Nabokov sees the same attributes as everyone who has watched Askarov: size, athleticism and the ability to read and stay ahead of the move. Nabokov also noted that Askarov’s footwork and quickness are a step ahead of his teammates.
However, despite Askarov’s abundant talent, Nabokov doesn’t want the Sharks to hand the reins to the newcomer. “For us, the important thing is that it has to be earned,” Nabokov said. “That’s huge for us. It’s not just about what your structure or your technique is like. It’s more than that. With a number one goalie, it’s always the mental part of the game, the emotional part of the game, how you handle so many different things. Because if you want to be special, if you want to be the number one goalkeeper, you need more than just having talent.”
If there has been any criticism of Askarov, it has been the intangibles. But don’t misinterpret it as an attack on his personality. His bench press celebration after shootout wins in the AHL isn’t a problem, nor is the edge he has in his game. “It’s a competitive sport and we want guys who compete hard every night, who play with emotion and with fire,” Grier said. “Obviously, you have to roll with it and take advantage of it in the right way, but it’s hard to play any sport at a high level without playing with emotion and fire.”
But Askarov has lacked coherence. In his two seasons in the AHL, he has been among the best goalies in the league, appearing in the All-Star Game in both campaigns. He has accumulated 56 wins and nine shutouts in 92 regular-season outings on the farm. But Askarov also fumbled in his starting role in consecutive postseasons, and has posted a combined .897 save percentage and 2.85 goals-against average in the playoffs.
However, few will begrudge a goalie Askarov’s age for not being a finished product, and the fact that the Sharks signed him to a two-year, $4 million extension shortly after his arrival is an indication that, Although they believe in their ability, they do not do it. They haven’t hitched the car yet.
All that means is that Askarov, with the Sharks in the beginning stages of a full-scale rebuild, will have room to grow. It will be given time to develop, slip and stumble. He’ll even accept more time in the AHL if necessary, according to Grier, which was reportedly a sticking point for Askarov before moving to San Jose. And then when the time comes, it will be up to Askarov to prove that he can be the number one he thinks he can be. “For me, the important thing is how much you want it,” Nabokov said. “That’s what it all comes down to.”
This article appeared in the October 7, 2024 edition of The Hockey News. In this edition, we focus on goaltending, focusing on three-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during the final season of his NHL career. Also in this issue we analyze which teams have the best and worst tandems in the league. Plus, we take a look at the six PWHL team names and logos revealed after the league’s inaugural season.
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