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The name that's been generating the most headlines since the draft has been Yaroslav Askarov.
Many view the Russian netminder as Andrei Vasilevskiy's successor. Since the Nashville Predators chose to re-sign their superstar netminder, Juuse Saros, the Russian netminder has been placed on the trade block. The price tag on the supposed franchise netminder isn't going to be low, but still, he garnered lots of interest from unexpected teams.
Elliotte Friedman reveals the Predators' expected return for Askarov
On a recent episode of his podcast 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman discussed the potential trade value of Nashville Predators' young goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. According to Friedman, the Predators have set a high asking price for Askarov, considering his potential as a future star. The price would likely involve:
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A. An established NHL player who would be a logical and valuable return for Askarov.
B. Alternatively, the Predators might be interested in another high-potential prospect who plays as a forward or defenseman rather than a goaltender.
This high asking price reflects the Predators' recognition of Askarov's significant value and careful consideration in any potential trade involving him.
Opportunity for Allvin and the Canucks?
According to many analysts, Askarov already has the makings of a great starting netminder. If it weren't for Saros, he would be guarding the Predators' net by now. At the time of writing these lines, the Canucks are set with Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs. However, Demko's $5M cap hit will be up for negotiations at the end of the 2025-2026 campaign, at which point the Canucks could be in trouble.
Given Friedman's intel, a player like Aatu Raty could be enough to get a deal done. Given their current salary cap state, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's cap penalty, and Thatcher Demko's upcoming raise. Should Patrik Allvin consider adding Askarov and trading Demko to bolster another part of the Canucks' line-up, perhaps their blueline?
Demko would hold a substantial trade value; if he could fetch the Canucks another so
