Blackhawks Should Inquire About Yaroslav Askarov After Trade Request

As the NHL season quickly approaches, teams are mostly done addressing their rosters. While the Edmonton Oilers are doing salary cap gymnastics late in the summer, almost every other club has settled its roster. However, there's always the chance for wrinkles and ripples to change those plans.

Enter the Nashville Predators. According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes , goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has reportedly requested a trade and won't report to the Predators' AHL affiliate if assigned there. Askarov spent most of the 2023-24 season with Nashville's AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, posting 30 wins and a 2.39 goals-against average in 44 games. The Russian netminder made just two starts for the NHL club.

Now, Askarov is requesting a trade without a clear path to the starting job after Juuse Saros signed a monster extension this summer and Nashville inked Scott Wedgewood as a backup.

Predators general manager Barry Trotz insisted that Askarov will have to compete for a spot in camp but didn't further address the request.

There's certainly a belief that Askarov could've been available for the right price over the last few seasons but now feels like an appropriate time to inquire given his trade request.

Given these developments, the Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson should at least make a call to Trotz regarding the possibility of a trade. Askarov would fit the bill for something Chicago could use. Let's dive into this further.

Could the Blackhawks Swing a Trade for Yaroslav Askarov?

Of any team in the NHL, the Blackhawks are likely the most equipped to make a trade for Yaroslav Askarov. Entering the 2024-25 season, Chicago has two or more picks in the first three rounds of the draft in every one of the next three years. Two first-rounders in 2025 are accompanied by multiple picks in the second round for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 drafts. That stashed capital could be leveraged in a move for Askarov.

The point has been made that Askarov isn't a perfect fit with Chicago. Both Petr Mrazek and Laurent Brossoit are under contract for the next two seasons, and Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan are strong goalie prospects within the pipeline. However, Mrazek's contract is movable and there's no guarantee that Commesso and/or Gajan will work out down the line. Askarov is as close to a sure thing as one can get without being a full-time NHL player.

Should the Blackhawks Swing a Trade?

Yes, but only if the shoe fits. Kyle Davidson has displayed his savviness in past deals and would only execute a move if it makes sense. A huge prospect/draft pick package certainly isn't something Davidson would fork over given his plan. However, if the price is a pick or two, it's hard to ignore what Yaroslav Askarov brings to the table as a young goaltender.

A trade package consisting of two second-round picks, ideally in separate years, would be reasonable for Davidson to part with. Unfortunately, that likely wouldn't be enough to get a deal done unless the Predators feel like they don't have a choice. Gauging the level of panic in the front office is a must before negotiating a potential trade.

What's On Tap Next?

Kyle Davidson should make a call. If the possibility dies there, so be it. However, failing to at least entertain the possibility of adding a player like Yaroslav Askarov would be a disservice to the organization. If the trade fits, run it. If it doesn't, then keep it moving and roll into the season with the roster as is.

The drama of this situation will be fascinating to watch from afar. The Predators don't necessarily need Askarov, making one think they'd be willing to move him for the right price.

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