Yaroslav Askarov looking at options for a fresh start

Yaroslav Askarov, the Nashville Predators' 11th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is eager to become a full-time NHL goaltender. However, with Nashville recently re-signing Juuse Saros to an eight-year, $60 million deal, Askarov's path to becoming the Predators' starting goalie looks uncertain. His agent, Dan Milstein, believes it's time to explore other options.

Milstein, who represents several Russian players in the NHL and KHL, emphasized in a recent interview that Askarov has the potential to be an elite goaltender and needs more opportunities to prove himself.

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So far, Askarov has spent most of his time in North America with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. He has played only three regular-season games for the Predators since 2022, along with one playoff game. With Predators GM Barry Trotz preferring Kevin Lankinen as Saros's backup, Askarov's opportunities for starts remain limited.

Askarov's unique on-ice antics, such as bench pressing his net after a shootout win and his aggressive style of stopping pucks, have made him a well-known figure in the hockey world.

With Askarov's talent and potential, there should be significant interest from other NHL teams looking to bolster their goaltending. Milstein and Askarov are exploring various options to ensure the young goaltender can showcase his abilities and achieve his goal of becoming an NHL starter.