Yaroslav Askarov rumors are resurfacing in Montreal. The recent signing of Juuse Saros with Nashville, for an 8-year contract at $7.74 million per year, leaves little room for Askarov, who has been patiently waiting his turn for ages.
Frustrated by this situation, Askarov would have immediately demanded a transaction, reigniting the excitement of Montreal Canadiens fans and many Quebec journalists who have dreamed of the young Russian goalie prodigy for a long time.
On the airwaves of 98.5 FM, the debate raged all year around the future of Samuel Montembeault, even after his contract extension.
According to commentators, Montembeault was never really the number one goalie that fans hoped for. This unstable situation raised the possibility of Kent Hughes looking for a new main goalkeeper this summer.
Speculation on Askarov has been growing over the past year, especially since Montreal had the opportunity to obtain Askarov and the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft, in exchange for their 5th pick (David Reinbacher) .
This missed chance fuels regrets and questions about the decisions made by the team, especially since all of Quebec wanted Matvei Michkov.
If Montreal had obtained Askarov and the 15th pick overall, the pill would have gone better, especially since we could have traded Samuel Montembeault to the Oilers for a 1st round pick afterwards. Kent Hughes was facing his destiny. And he chose his path.
Hosts Jérémie Rainville and Louis Jean, accompanied by journalists Richard Labbé and Alexandre Pratt, agreed on one essential point: Samuel Montembeault does not seem to be the number one goalie that the Canadiens need to take the next step.
They all said that a change was necessary for the team to have any hope of qualifying for the playoffs…and to perform if they do qualify.
Meanwhile, rumors about Askarov continue to swell. His NHL performances show great potential, with a .943 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average in the two games he has played.
Montembeault’s future is in Montreal…until proven otherwise. Kent Hughes must do everything he can to seize this second opportunity with Askarov who will obviously be traded this summer.
The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, are going to do everything they can to get the Russian. It’s now clear that Saros is staying and it’s impossible to imagine the Predators keeping Saros and Askarov for a long period of time. The Russian is going to end up skipping a step.
Informants Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug claim that the Oilers are in trouble with their goalies, especially after Stuart Skinner’s setbacks in the playoffs, and that Edmonton should absolutely be interested in Askarov.
Rishaug said Askarov could become an interesting trade piece for Nashville if the right price is offered.
LeBrun expressed reservations about the idea, saying Askarov has yet to prove anything at the NHL level and it would be a big risk for the Oilers to offer what Nashville would likely demand in return.
He said the Oilers would be better off finding an experienced goaltender, but general manager Barry Trotz has made it clear he has no intention of parting ways with Saros with the eight-year contract extension.
Trotz quickly dispelled potential rumors and showed the entire NHL that Saros is a crucial part of the Predators’ plans,
Trotz touted Saros as a “special goalie” and expressed excitement about signing him. As for Askarov’s trade request, the GM declined to comment.
The Preds are reportedly looking for a first-round pick and a young, established, top-tier player for the young Russian goaltender.
Kent Hughes will have to find a “stud” to offer, in addition to the 26th overall pick. Justin Barron won’t be enough. Neither does Jordan Harris.
Arber Xhekaj could start to give Trotz pause, given that he’s such a different defenseman. But it wouldn’t be in the Canadiens’ plans to trade their “goon defenseman.”
Would Jayden Struble and the 26th pick be enough? Let us doubt it.
Askarov is a prodigy. If Kent Hughes wants it, he will have to agree to pay. We don’t hold our breath. Samuel Montembeault must be a little stressed. But in the end, we see Askarov more in Edmonton or elsewhere than in Montreal.
The fact that Montembeault is from Quebec and is the darling of the media protects him from a transaction. But why not an Askarov-Montembeault tandem, when we could trade Cayden Primeau?
Askarov is a future star goaltender. Kent Hughes must try everything to get it….
