Friedman reports a Canadian team was in on Yaroslav Askarov

The San Jose Sharks have had many problems in their recent history but among their longest-held issues is their lack of drafting, acquiring, and developing serious goaltending prospects. However, Mike Grier just addressed this oversight with a massive trade deal. San Jose sent away forward David Edstrom, expected backup goaltender Magnus Chrona, and a conditional first-round pick via Vegas to the Nashville Predators. In exchange, they got top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov, forward Nolan Burke, and a 2025 third-round pick. Shortly thereafter, they signed him to a two-year extension.

Despite San Jose's obvious need for a leading goalie prospect, reports indicate other teams were close to a deal, including one Canadian team. According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Montreal Canadiens, and New Jersey Devils were both finalists in the market to acquire Yaroslav Askarov.

The Montreal Canadiens have some decent goaltenders already with Cayden Primeau and Sam Montembeault, who signed a three-year extension with the team last year. However, their best hope at an elite was left with the 2023 69th overall draft pick Jacob Fowler. Though he shows promise on Boston College's team with a .926 save percentage in 39 games, Yaroslav Askarov is often considered the top goaltending prospect heading into the NHL.

Though Kent Hughes could not make it happen for the Montreal Canadiens, Yaroslav Askarov will undoubtedly make a big difference for the San Jose Sharks. With a star-studded prospect pool of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and several others, Yaroslav Askarov could be part of a major NHL force in five to seven years.

Source: Habs Fanatics
Friedman reports the Canadiens were in on the Askarov trade: The price Hughes should've paid is revealed