The Montreal Canadiens have made significant strides in their rebuild, boasting a promising young core and an enviable prospect pool. However, one area where they lack a clear future is in the crease. Could this prompt them to make a bold move and acquire highly-touted goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators?
Elliotte Friedman recently reported the Predators’ interest in trading Askarov for either an NHL-ready player or another high-end prospect. This revelation has sparked considerable discussion within the hockey world, with many speculating on potential destinations for the young Russian netminder.
Canadiens’ Deep Prospect Pool Could Land Yaroslav Askarov
Rob Couch of The Hockey News has identified the Canadiens as a potential suitor, suggesting defenseman Logan Mailloux or forwards like Owen Beck, Joshua Roy, or Michael Hage as possible trade chips. While it’s true that the Canadiens possess a wealth of enticing assets, let’s delve deeper into the feasibility of such a trade.
The Predators’ asking price for Askarov is steep, but understandably so. As the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Askarov is widely considered one of the top goaltending prospects in the world. He possesses exceptional athleticism, lightning-quick reflexes, and a calm, composed demeanor in the net. These attributes, combined with his young age, make him an incredibly valuable commodity.
For the Canadiens, acquiring Askarov would address their long-term goaltending needs. While they have promising netminders like Cayden Primeau and Sam Montembeault as their starter, neither has solidified themselves as the clear-cut#1 goalie in Montreal. Askarov, on the other hand, has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
However, the Canadiens would need to part with significant assets to acquire Askarov. Mailloux, their top defensive prospect, would likely be the centerpiece of any trade. The Predators could also be interested in a forward like Beck, Roy, or Hage, all of whom have shown immense promise in their development.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes. He must weigh the potential benefits of acquiring Askarov against the cost of surrendering valuable assets. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely if Askarov reaches his full potential.
The Canadiens are undoubtedly in an enviable position, possessing the assets necessary to acquire a player of Askarov’s caliber. Whether they pull the trigger on a trade remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a situation worth monitoring in the coming weeks and months.
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