In a surprise move the San Jose Sharks announced they have assigned goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to their AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda.
The 22-year-old has missed all of Sharks’ training camp with a lower body injury so this could be a way to get him back in shape and playing time.
Askarov is in the final year of his entry level deal, he signed a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million that begins in 2025-26.
Askarov requested a trade from the Nashville Predators after they re-signed Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension, he reportedly told the team he would not report to their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals, so it is somewhat surprising to see him sent down regardless of the injury.
The 11th overall selection in the 2020 draft, Askarov has been one of the best goalies in the AHL in his two season in the league. He has a career record of 56-29-6 with a .911 SV% and 2.55 GAA, and represented the Central Division in the AHL All-Star Game both years with Milwaukee.
Given the Sharks interest in acquiring the young goaltender we should see him in the NHL at some point this season.
The Barracuda open their season Oct. 12 against the Ontario Reign.
The Hockey News San Jose dove into the Askarov news here.
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