Predators GM Issues Warning to Yaroslav Askarov's Trade Suitors

Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz dropped a strong take on his and the franchise's expectations following Yaroslav Askarov's formal trade request on August 19.

According to Trotz, via TSN , the team's expectation remains for Askarov to attend training camp next month.

"We are aware of the report today, and our expectation is for the player to report to training camp and compete for a job in September," Trotz said on August 19, as echoed by Emma Lingan of The Hockey Writers.

This statement came after ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported earlier on August 19 that Askarov informed the Predators he would not report to their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, and had requested a trade.

The 22-year-old netminder, drafted with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NHL draft, has expressed dissatisfaction with his position within the organization, particularly after the Predators locked their goaltending rotation making it a one-man army by signing starter Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension worth nearly $62 million .

With Saros locked up long-term and veteran Scott Wedgewood added to the roster, Askarov's path to regular NHL playing time appears blocked. That's exactly the opposite the youngster wants, as he's looking to enter a legitimate goaltender rotation next season.

Askarov, who has been touted as one of the top goaltending prospects in the league, made his NHL debut in the 2022-23 season but has spent most of his time in North America with the Admirals, the Predators affiliate in the AHL. His performance there has been strong, posting a .911 save percentage over two seasons, but it’s clear that he now expects to compete at the NHL level.

Despite this, Trotz remains optimistic about Askarov's future with the organization but also acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the young goalie's mindset following last season’s challenges.

At the end of the day, Trotz may be simply trying to gain (or at least retain) some leverage in future trade talks.

Related: Predators' Yaroslav Askarov Price Revealed as Canadiens Get Linked