The five teams that have a chance at landing Yaroslav Askarov

When Askarov was drafted in the first round, 11th overall by Nashville in 2020, the hopes for him were high. Their franchise goalie Pekka Rinne was sharing time with a smaller and considerable backup Juuse Saros.

The future was set up for Askarov as their guy. There was doubt that Saros would be able to fill the large void left by Renne. Saros was able to perform well beyond belief. The athletic goalie was able to move around the net and compete with the best of them. Now, Saros is locked up in a long-term deal with the Predators and is considered one of the elite goalies in the league.

Askarov came out recently this week and requested a trade and stated that he was not going to report to camp. The expectation is that he will by the Predators organization, but it looks like a trade will be on the horizon.

So, according to Tony Ferrari of the Hockey News, these five NHL teams can use Askarov now and might have a shot at landing him.

NHL Trade Rumors already suggested that the Blackhawks are interested. Chicago has some great prospects that could interest Nashville, like their two goalies Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan to replace the lost prospect.

What Askarov can bring to Chicago is a walk on option ready to start the season.

Similar to the Blackhawks, they can use a goalie now. He would be able to walk in and share time with Sam Montembeault until ready to go on his own as the number one guy.

Montreal also have prospects to share. Young guys that would be on the table for Nashville to pick from could include Owen Beck, Filip Mesar or Logan Mailloux.

The Leafs are not as deep in prospects but have young talent they can part with. One specific player who reportedly may want out is sniper Nick Robertson.

Askarov would give Toronto the one thing that they lack, a sure-fire starter down the road when the tandum of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz fades away.

The Sharks could have some prospects and options for Nashville, such as Fabian Zetterlund. For the Sharks, Askarov would be the guy before he gets in the building. Just like with Chicago or Montreal, Askarov would develop right along with the rest of the team.

Utah seems to be making some moves, so why not look at a goaltender that could potentially start for them. In Utah he could split time with either Connor Ingram or Karel Vejmelka, and grow as a starter with a team that will grow themselves.

As Read On: The Hockey News -
Five NHL Destinations for Predators' Yaroslav Askarov: Goalie Reportedly Requests Trade