The Detroit Red Wings face uncertainty in their goaltending situation, but a potential trade could provide a solution.
Yaroslav Askarov, considered the top goalie prospect in the NHL, is currently behind Juuse Saros, who is the starting goalie for the Nashville Predators and recently signed a long-term contract with the team. On the PuckPedia website, which features a new tool called PuckGM for creating custom trades, one user proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Askarov.
The proposed trade would see the Red Wings acquire Yaroslav Askarov, who would likely become their starting goalie. Askarov, drafted 11th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, spent last season in the AHL where he recorded a 30-13-1 record with a 2.39 GAA and a .911 SV%. He has also played three NHL games, with a 1-1 record, a 2.57 GAA, and a .914 SV%. At 22, he appears ready to step into a full-time NHL role.
In exchange, the Nashville Predators would receive Alex Lyon, who could serve as their backup goalie or AHL starter, adding depth to their goaltending. Lyon, at 31, has played 83 NHL games and is a reliable backup.
The key assets in the trade for Nashville would be Jonatan Berggren and a draft pick. Berggren, a second-round pick from the 2018 NHL Draft, is a capable NHL player. Last season with Detroit, the 22-year-old registered 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 12 games.
While this trade offers value, it’s likely that Nashville will seek more in return for Askarov, especially given that he has yet to fully establish himself in the NHL. Additionally, Askarov is blocked from a starting role and will be a restricted free agent next season, potentially requiring a raise that the Predators might find challenging to accommodate.
Insider Says Askarov is on the Trading Block
Nashville general manager Barry Trotz has been hesitant to trade Yaroslav Askarov, but according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast, the goalie is indeed on the trade block.
“For several weeks now, they have been telling teams to gauge the market for Askarov because they are likely to make a move. Askarov has made it clear to both the Predators and throughout the league that he does not want to be in the American Hockey League; he wants to be in the NHL next season,” Friedman reported.
With Askarov seeking an NHL opportunity and being blocked in Nashville, a trade could be imminent.
Red Wings Make Goaltending Moves
Detroit made efforts in the offseason to improve their goaltending, but concerns persist in that area.
The Red Wings signed Ville Husso to a three-year, $14.25 million deal in 2022, but the results have been underwhelming. Consequently, they also brought in Cam Talbot with a two-year, $5 million contract to compete for the starting role.
In addition to Husso and Talbot, Detroit has Alex Lyon under contract and recently signed Jack Campbell to serve as their AHL goalie. Despite these additions, the team still lacks a definitive No. 1 goalie, which may lead them to consider acquiring Yaroslav Askarov.
