Blackhawks step up push to acquire Predators star goalie Askarov

In a strategic pivot towards securing their netminding future, the Chicago Blackhawks are making vigorous moves to acquire Yaroslav Askarov, the goaltending prodigy currently tethered to the Nashville Predators.

This revelation comes amidst a flurry of developments that hint at an imminent shuffle in the goaltending roster within the league.

Over the last couple of days, Askarov made headlines when he expressed his desire to exit the Predators following the announcement that Juuse Saros had signed a new long-term extension with the team, as confirmed by general manager Barry Trotz.

This decision effectively positions Saros as the franchise's primary goalie, with newly acquired Scott Wedgewood slated as his backup, potentially even sharing duties as part of a goalie tandem.

Askarov's request for a trade adds a layer of urgency to the Blackhawks' intentions. Sources like HockeyyInsiderr suggest that Chicago's pursuit of the young goalie is not just about filling a position but is a calculated part of their broader team rebuilding strategy.

Why Askarov? Despite his brief NHL exposure, Askarov's credentials are impressively solid. Last season saw him guard the Predators' net in two NHL games, boasting a goals against average (GAA) of 1.47 and a save percentage of .943-a promising glimpse of his potential at the highest level.

However, the bulk of his season unfolded in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, where over 44 games, he maintained a GAA of 2.39 and a save percentage of .911, tallying a record of 30-13-1.

The Hockeypodnet also chimed in, noting the consensus among many league pundits that Askarov is primed for a full-time NHL role.

What the Blackhawks would need to relinquish in order to secure such a promising talent remains a topic of active speculation.

With negotiations seemingly underway, this potential acquisition could dramatically accelerate Chicago's rebuilding efforts, anchoring their goaltending for the foreseeable future.

The coming days are crucial as both teams continue to strategize over this high-stakes goaltending gambit.