Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz responds to Yaroslav's Askarov's trade request

Young Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has requested a trade away from the team knowing he won't get much ice time after the re-signing of Juuse Saros to an eight-year deal. There's also word that Askarov has told the Predators he will not report to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL.

That statement has now made it's way back to Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz, who appears to have no interest in playing any games with Askarov. Trotz told reporter John Glennon he fully expects Askarov to be at training camp in September, and ready to compete for a spot in the NHL when the 2024-25 season begins.

Yaroslav Askarov, the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has just three games' experience in the NHL so far, spending the rest of his time with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. Askarov seems to want to ensure that he at least has a chance at the starting position with whatever team he's playing for. with Jusse Saros and Scott Wedgewood in Nashville, the chances of Askarov getting NHL games seems small. The Tennessean reached out to Askarov's agent for a comment on his trade demands and reports of not showing up in the AHL. Dan Milstein refused to comment on the situation.

Both the Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks have been linked to Yaroslav Askarov via trade. There is also word the Montreal Canadiens are very interested in acquiring Askarov if the right deal can be reached. GM Barry Trotz has been holding out for the right deal to come along for the netminding prospect, but may have to increase his sense of urgency around the situation given the latest developments.