Predators' Askarov With Elite Starter Potential? His Agent Seems to Think So

The eight-year signing of Juuse Saros by the Nashville Predators really stirred things up in net in the organization. As soon as the report came out that Saros had been signed, there were many calls to the Predators regarding the availability of Yaroslav Askarov, one of the top goalie prospects in the league.

Askarov's agent has been fairly vocal about the situation regarding his client, as he should be considering he wants the best situation and opportunity for him. With Saros locked in for nine more years including the final year of his current deal, there is no room for Askarov to break into a starter role in the NHL anytime soon.

Askarov's agent , Dan Milstein, said that "Askarov has the potential and should become an elite goaltender in the NHL. Recently we have been working together with the club under different scenarios. Yaroslav has proven to everyone that he's an NHL player."

Now while talking up his client is expected, there are a couple of things to dive into from that quote about Askarov.

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The first is that Askarov should become an elite goaltender in the NHL. He is one of the best goalie prospects, but predicting goalies is extremely difficult. Take a look at Spencer Knight for example. Drafted high, came into the NHL early and did well, and then has since had to take a step back and isn't putting up great numbers in the AHL. There's also the possibility of late-round draft picks or undrafted goalies turning into elite talent and better players than netminders with a lot of expectations.

The best thing is not to rush Askarov, but it appears as though there is impatience in his camp to get into full-time action in the NHL. To say he is an NHL player is a reach considering he's 23, has played three NHL games, and only has two AHL seasons under his belt.

Askarov didn't put up elite numbers in the AHL either, finishing each of the past two seasons with a .911 SV%. He could use another year and isn't even off his entry-level contract yet.

Trying to get Askarov out of Nashville sooner than later would likely work in favour of the young goalie. Without an injury to Saros, it's unlikely Askarov even gets in more than five games for the Predators next season as Saros regularly logs over 60 games and Scott Wedgewood is signed for two years.

Nashville has a number of years left of team control for Askarov, so there's no rush to move him on the team's side. I believe something will get done within a year or two, but the price isn't going to fall for a goalie that has as much potential as he does. Only time will tell if Askarov is going to turn into an elite goalie and if he is truly ready for the NHL this soon.

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