Nashville's Yaroslav Askarov eyes move to Chicago amid Predators goaltending shakeup

The air is thick with anticipation and discord for the Nashville Predators as goalie Yaroslav Askarov's future hangs in balance.

Amidst swirling rumors, Predators' GM Barry Trotz has openly expressed expectations for Askarov to attend the upcoming training camp. Trotz stated Monday morning :

Askarov, once celebrated as a top-10 goalie prospect, finds himself at a crossroads as he enters the final year of his entry-level contract, valued at $925K.

Despite his potential, he has not clinched a starting position in Nashville, largely overshadowed by the Predators' strategic signings.

The recent contract extensions for goalie Juuse Saros and the addition of veteran Scott Wedgewood have significantly dimmed his prospects within the team.

The 22-year-old goalie, who has spent two seasons in North America showing promise in the AHL and making sporadic NHL appearances, now faces the reality of potentially being sent down to the Milwaukee Admirals post-training camp-a move he is reportedly set against. According to Kevin Weekes, Askarov has requested a trade should this demotion occur.

Further complicating matters is the involvement of Askarov's agent, who has been actively seeking a resolution with the Predators.

The agent asserts that Askarov is NHL-ready, but the team's shift away from rebuilding mode and toward consolidating a more experienced lineup has placed Askarov in a precarious position.

The young goaltender's talent remains undeniable, and teams in need of bolstering their goalie depth could likely show interest. One such team could be the Chicago Blackhawks, known for their relatively weaker goaltender prospect pipeline.

For fans eager to see highlights of Askarov's capabilities, they can view them HERE.

As September approaches, the situation could evolve rapidly, depending on both market interest and internal decisions by the Predators.

The outcome will not only influence Askarov's career trajectory but also signal how Nashville intends to balance nurturing talent with strategic team dynamics.