One potential trade scenario that has garnered attention involves the acquisition of Yaroslav Askarov, a highly-touted Russian goaltender currently with the Nashville Predators. Askarov, drafted 11th overall by the Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft, is considered one of the best goaltending prospects in recent memory. His combination of size, athleticism, and composure has made him a coveted asset for any team looking to secure a future franchise goaltender.
For the Canadiens, the interest in Askarov is understandable. The team has struggled with consistency in net since the departure of Carey Price, one of the franchise’s greatest goaltenders. With Price’s retirement due to injury, the Canadiens have been left with a goaltending gap that needs to be addressed if they are to return to contention. Askarov represents a potential long-term solution, offering the possibility of anchoring the Canadiens’ defense for years to come.
However, acquiring Askarov from the Predators would not be straightforward. Nashville, well aware of Askarov’s potential, would likely demand a significant return in any trade. The Canadiens would have to consider parting with valuable assets, potentially including high draft picks, prospects, or even established young players. This raises a dilemma for Montreal’s management: how much of their future are they willing to sacrifice for a player who, while highly promising, is still relatively unproven at the NHL level?
The Predators’ willingness to trade Askarov may also be influenced by their own goaltending depth. Juuse Saros, Nashville’s current starting goaltender, is among the NHL’s elite, and the team could feel confident in their depth chart without Askarov. However, if the Predators see Askarov as their future starter, they might be less inclined to entertain trade offers.
From Montreal’s perspective, the trade for Askarov would be a bold move, signaling their intent to accelerate their rebuild. It would also address a critical need, potentially setting the team up for long-term success. Whether the Canadiens are willing to meet Nashville’s demands, and whether the Predators are open to trading such a prized asset, remains to be seen. This potential trade situation will undoubtedly be one to watch as both teams evaluate their respective futures.