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 about 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 the Canadiens need to move up a gear.
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, the 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, for their part, will do everything to obtain the Russian. It is now clear that Saros is going to stay and it is impossible to imagine that the Predators can keep Saros and Askarov for an extended period of time. The Russian will end up skipping a boat.
Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug say the Oilers are in a goaltending bind, especially after Stuart Skinner’s playoff struggles, and that Edmonton should definitely 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 hasn’t proven anything at the NHL level yet and it would be very risky for the Oilers to offer what Nashville would likely demand in return.
He added that the Oilers would be better off finding an experienced goaltender, but general manager Barry Trotz 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 over signing him. As for Askarov’s trade request, the GM declined to comment.
The Preds are reportedly looking for a 1st round pick and an established, top-tier young 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 is such a different defender. But it would not be in the CH’s plans to exchange their “goon defender”.
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 a Quebecer and a media darling protects him from a trade. But why not an Askarov-Montembeault tandem, when we could trade Cayden Primeau?
Askarov is a future star goalie. Kent Hughes should try everything to get him….
