San Jose Sharks rumors are swirling as the team seems poised to make another move in the crease. After acquiring Alexandar Georgiev from the Colorado Avalanche, rumors suggest the Sharks are now looking to trade goaltender Vitek Vanecek. This move would pave the way for young Yaroslav Askarov to step up and learn from Georgiev as the Sharks continue their rebuild.
Why Trade Vitek Vanecek?
The Sharks have been incredibly impressed with 22-year-old Yaroslav Askarov’s development this season. In the AHL, he boasts an impressive 8-3-1 record with a .946 save percentage. Askarov also got a taste of NHL action earlier this season, going 1-0-1 with a .927 save percentage. The Sharks believe he’s ready for a bigger role.
With Georgiev established as the number one goalie, the Sharks see a valuable opportunity to pair him with Askarov. Georgiev can serve as a mentor to the young rising star, guiding him as he adjusts to the demands of the NHL. This strategy allows Askarov to develop at the NHL level while providing the Sharks with a solid tandem in net.
Vanecek, who is only two years removed from a 33-win season with the New Jersey Devils, is a proven starter. His strong performance and relatively young age (28) make him an attractive trade target for playoff contenders looking to solidify their goaltending as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Sharks are likely hoping to acquire a decent return for Vanecek, potentially a draft pick or a prospect, to further bolster their rebuilding efforts.
San Jose Sharks Goalie Situation
This potential trade signals a clear shift in the Sharks’ goaltending strategy. They are prioritizing the development of Askarov, a highly touted prospect with the potential to become a franchise cornerstone. By pairing him with Georgiev, the Sharks are creating a dynamic duo in net that can lead them into the future.
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