Predators' Yaroslav Askarov Price Revealed as Canadiens Get Linked

NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman recorded a surprise episode of his podcast in the middle of August and revealed new details about the potential trade of Yaroslav Askarov, the highly-valued goaltending prospect for the Nashville Predators.

Speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast released on August 14 , Friedman disclosed that the Predators are actively seeking offers for Askarov, who was drafted with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 draft.

According to Friedman, Nashville’s asking price for Askarov is steep, to say the least. The Predators are looking for either an established NHL player who makes sense for their roster in a "hockey trade" or a high-ceiling prospect—preferably a forward or defenseman rather than another goalie.

“They’re looking for either an established NHL player that makes sense to acquire for Askarov or another high-ceiling prospect that is not a goalie,” Friedman said.

Interest in Askarov has reportedly been strong, with teams like the Montreal Canadiens being mentioned as potential suitors. Perhaps the sky-high price for someone with just a couple of games of NHL experience is what is making it hard for prospective suitors to land the goalie.

The Canadiens, while not desperate for goaltending reinforcements, could benefit from securing a long-term solution in net. That's precisely what Askarov could offer the franchise in their attempt to put together a contending roster.

Players like Logan Mailloux or Owen Beck have been floated as possible trade chips , although any deal would likely involve additional assets if Friedman's revealed price is rice.

Askarov's own demands might make everything even harder, however, as the young netminder has made it clear that he wants to make the jump to the NHL next season, believing he’s outgrown the AHL. He's coming off posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average last season.

With Juuse Saros firmly entrenched as Nashville’s starting goaltender following his eight-year, $62 million extension signed last July, the team should be better off sending Askarov away in exchange for a bulky package.