Sink or Swim: Askarov Has the Opportunity to Exhibit His Large Potential Between Pipes In San Jose

Yaroslav Askarov and Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsIt can be alarming to witness your future flash before your very eyes in neon signs. After Juuse Saros signed his multimillion-dollar extension with the Nashville Predators in July and soon thereafter the Preds acquired veteran backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood, promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov was met with stark reality: that sign telling him his hopes of becoming an NHL No.1 were quickly diminishing. Not happening was definitely not expected in Music City; askarov was considered one of the premier goaltending prospects globally after being selected 11th overall during 2020 draft season. Askarov appeared destined to follow Saros into Nashville as Pekka Rinne had done, yet his path into the NHL became blocked with Saros’ long-term deal and therefore wanted a fresh start elsewhere. Askarov wanted a chance. In August, after months of trade talk and speculation, his wish came true when San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier realized an excellent opportunity in trading Askarov from Nashville for him. Grier described Askarov’s arrival with them as being worth every cent invested by Nashville in him as the start of an incredible GM/player relationship between himself and Askarov. “We have every confidence he’ll be an elite quarterback,” Grier remarked, adding, “you only get so many chances to add players of his caliber at this position; it is one of the hardest positions to draft and develop, so when someone of this caliber joins our group it makes our heart sing with excitement!” Mike Grier of the San Jose Sharks needed no convincing to add Askarov as one of their prospects, thanks to positive input from goaltending director Evgeni Nabokov and other resident experts at San Jose Arena. Nabokov knows all too well what it’s like being an 18-year-old Russian kid standing on the blue paint for San Jose Sharks; when he arrived as 24 and spent over 10 seasons as the franchise’s starting goalie. When discussing Askarov however, Nabokov quickly deflates expectations. “Everyone takes his/her own path into the NHL,” Nabokov observed, noting: “Some kids adapt quickly; other do not. To be completely honest with you, I do not yet know. That doesn’t imply Nabokov doesn’t believe strongly in Askarov’s talent or skillset.” Former Sharks stopper Anton Nabokov has long admired Askarov since he was young, seeing all his attributes; size, athleticism and an uncanny ability to read plays while staying ahead. Nabokov noted Askarov’s remarkable footwork and quickness set him apart from his peers, yet Nabokov remains unwilling to hand Askarov complete control. For him personally, “what matters for us most is earning it”, according to Nabokov: “that is hugely significant”. No.1 goaltenders know it takes more than structure or technique alone to become special; mental toughness, emotion management skills, and how well you deal with change all play an integral part. So, to become one and reach that pinnacle position if that is your ultimate goal: becoming the No.1. “To become a No. 1 goaltender takes more than talent. Any criticism leveled against Askarov stemmed from his intangibles; but don’t take this criticism personally as any sort of insult against his personality; his bench-pressing celebration after shootout wins in the AHL isn’t an issue either, nor his aggressive style of play which gives his game its distinctive edge.” “Basketball is a competitive sport and we want players who compete hard every night and show emotion and fire,” Grier stated. While emotions must be handled properly when competing at high-level athleticism, emotion will still come through regardless. But Askarov has struggled to maintain consistency during his two AHL campaigns, appearing as one of its premier netminders both years and making both All-Star Game appearances. Overall he amassed 56 wins and nine shutouts across 92 regular season outings on his farm team.” Askarov struggled in both postseasons as his starting gig slipped away from him, posting an overall save percentage and goals-against average of just.897 over 2.85 goals-against average in each. Although few would fault Askarov for still being unfinished product at 32 years old, his signing to two year, $4-million extension just days after arriving speaks volumes to their trust of his talent – an indication they don’t quite rely solely on him yet as they embark upon full scale rebuild. That gives Askarov more space and room to grow alongside them all. Grier reported that Askarov may even accept more AHL time if necessary – something which had previously been an obstacle in moving to San Jose. When his time comes, however, Askarov will need to prove himself capable of becoming the No.1 defenseman on San Jose. “For me,” Nabokov stated, “it all boils down to how bad do you want it.” This article first appeared in The Hockey News edition dated Oct 7, 2024. This issue of The Hockey Writers focuses on goaltending, with special consideration for three-time Stanley Cup Champion Marc-Andre Fleury during his last NHL campaign. Additionally, we explore which teams boast superior and inferior tandems within their organization. Also included, we take an in-depth look at six newly unveiled PWHL team names and logos following its inaugural season. Now available on newsstands or get it free with any subscription to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today – subscribers also gain access to over 76 years worth of articles available via The Hockey News Archive!