The Nashville Predators have traded goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, forward Noah Burke, and a 2025 third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks. In return, the Predators acquired forward David Edstrom, goaltender Magnus Chrona, and a conditional first-round pick in 2025, as announced by both teams on Friday.
Following the trade, the San Jose Sharks signed Askarov to a two-year extension valued at $2 million annually, according to PuckPedia. Askarov is currently under contract with a cap hit of $925,000 and had one season remaining before he could become a restricted free agent.
“It’s a really big day for our franchise,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier stated, according to The Mercury News’ Curtis Pashelka. “To have an opportunity to add Askarov to our group is really exciting. I think it kind of breathes some more positive energy into the group.”
The conditional pick Nashville received originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights. If the Golden Knights’ pick next year is within the top 10, San Jose has the option to transfer either its own pick or the Vegas pick to Nashville.
Askarov had reportedly requested a trade and indicated he would not report to AHL Milwaukee if he failed to make the Predators’ roster. Nashville disputed these rumors earlier in the week, with general manager Barry Trotz stating that he expected Askarov to attend training camp in September.
Grier noted that he does not anticipate any issues if Askarov needs to start the season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, as reported by NBC Sports’ Sheng Peng.
Several teams expressed interest in Askarov over the summer, especially after Nashville signed Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension. The Predators also brought in veteran backup Scott Wedgewood during free agency, which could have impeded Askarov’s progression to a full-time NHL role this season.
Among the teams that recently inquired about Askarov were the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Askarov, the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is regarded as one of the league’s top goaltending prospects. He has made three NHL appearances over the past two seasons and recorded a .911 save percentage in back-to-back years in the minors.
The 22-year-old goaltender is expected to compete for playing time in San Jose’s crease alongside Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood in the upcoming season.
The Sharks finished last in the NHL standings for the 2023-24 season.
