When the San Jose Sharks made the splashy trade with the Nashville Predators to land top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov, the expectation was that the 22-year-old Russian was destined for a full-time NHL role. That, however, will not be the case. At least not initially.

Instead, the Sharks reassigned Askarov to its AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. It should be noted that Sharks brass has said all along said that Askarov was not guaranteed an NHL role and that the trade was more about the future than necessarily the short term.

• Sign up today to watch the AHL all season on FloHockey
• Sharks Trade For Blue-Chip Goalie Askarov
• AHL Players Making An Impact In NHL Camps

It was well known that Askarov had requested a trade from the Predators, who selected him 11th overall in 2020. Despite the success Askarov had with the Milwaukee Admirals last season, Nashville had an established No. 1 goalie in Juuse Saros who was under long-term contract. There was never really a path for Askarov to get significant NHL time and may not have been for some years, hence the trade request.

San Jose put together an aggressive package for the young netminder, trading away promising prospect David Edstrom, a conditional first-round pick that previously belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights and goalie Magnus Chrona.

Why Askarov To The AHL Makes Sense

I had often wondered if it made much sense for the Sharks to try to force Askarov into the NHL this season. They are likely to struggle again after picking first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft thanks to the worst record in the league. That might not be the best situation for a young netminder to get his first taste of real NHL action.

It didn't help that Askarov hasn't been able to skate much or play games during NHL training camp due to an injury sustained last month. Additionally, the Sharks have goalies with more NHL experience on their roster currently with Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vaněček in the mix. Going to the AHL will give him time to get back into game shape.

Though it seems like Askarov has been around for a while, he’s only played two pro seasons in North America. At 22 years old, he’s still on the especially young side as many NHL goaltenders don’t matriculate to the league until they are 23 or 24 years old. On top of that, while Askarov has been excellent in the AHL over the last two seasons, he hasn’t exactly been dominant.

There is always room for players to grow and Askarov will get more time to do that with the Barracuda, where he’ll still be under the watchful eye of San Jose brass. He’s just a phone call away when they need a spot start or if they think he gives them a better chance to win games.

One of the most entertaining young players in the AHL last season, Askarov was an All-Star Classic invitee, and posted a .911 save percentage in 44 appearances with Milwaukee last season. He won 30 games and had six shutouts between the pipes, but had a relatively disappointing postseason as the Admirals bowed out early despite a sensational regular season.

Askarov will likely be able to platoon with veteran pro Aaron Dell, and will have the chance to earn the lion share of starts while the Sharks sort out what things look like at the NHL level for them this season.

I have no doubt Askarov is going to be a Shark sooner than later, and likely a good one at that. Askarov has earned the win in 56 of his 92 career appearances in the AHL, with a .911 save percentage, 2.55 goals-against average and nine career shutouts.

The San Jose Barracuda open their season on the road against rival Ontario Reign Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

How To Watch The AHL On FloHockey 

The AHL is streaming on FloHockey and the FloSports app. Live games, replays, highlights and breaking news also will be available on both platforms. 

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Watch ECHL, USHL, AHL And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloHockey
• Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
• Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook