Insider Reveals Potential Devils Trade Explored for Yaroslav Askarov

Yaroslav Askarov is officially a member of the San Jose Sharks. Amid learning about the deal that sent Askarov to the Sharks, we also learned New Jersey was in the mix for the prospect goaltender in a potential Devils trade.

Askarov was traded to the Sharks in a package with Nolan Burke and a 2025 third round pick. In exchange, the Predators received David Edstrom, a Vegas Golden Knights 2025 first round pick (top 10 protected), and Magnus Chrona.

Edstrom was selected 32nd overall by the Sharks in 2023.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reports there were a lot of possibilities for a potential Askarov trade before he was ultimately dealt to San Jose.

Friedman disclosed that New Jersey was involved in a potential Devils trade for Askarov.

“Heard a lot of different possibilities over the last week — including Montreal and New Jersey — but it’s the Sharks that get him,” Friedman tweeted.

Askarov officially requested a trade on Monday, August 19th. Despite the trade request going public, Predators GM Barry Trotz explained he anticipated to see Askarov at Nashville’s training camp this fall.

The Russian netminder was traded just four days later.

Askarov requested a trade seeking a clearer path to the NHL after Trotz inked Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract, and Scott Wedgwood to a two-year deal.

Now, Askarov will compete with former Devils goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek for minutes in the Sharks’ crease this fall.

The Devils plan to deploy a goaltending tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen next season. Nico Daws — who signed a two-way contract this summer — is the third string option.

Daws’ two-way contract upgrades to a one-way deal next season. It appears he will, in fact, be Markstrom’s backup in two seasons. Following 2025-26, the Devils’ goaltending plan remains in question.

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