What Teams Are The Best Fit For Yaroslav Askarov

    When analyzing goaltenders upcoming the 2020 NHL Draft, Yaroslav Askarov clearly stands out. Just like Spencer Knight of last year’s class, Askarov is projected to be drafted between picks 7-15, much higher than any other goalie. We know who is selecting between 2-8, so let’s analyze what teams may reach for the star goaltender.

At #1, no matter who gets the pick, has no business taking him so high, or really taking anyone besides Alexis Lafreniere. At #2, the Kings could use a goaltender with veteran Johnathan Quick on the decline, but again, it’s much too early to take him. With the Red Wings at 4, there are simply too many holes on this team to take a goaltender so high. Same with the Ottawa Senators drafting at picks 3 and 5, who have a decent goalie prospect pool and also have bigger needs than a goalie.

Anything after the top 5 wouldn’t be reaching for Askarov, but I’m not sure he will go the next three picks. The Anaheim Ducks, who are selecting 6th, have one of the best young NHL goaltenders in John Gibson. The New Jersey Devils, who are selecting 7th, have young goalie MacKenzie Blackwood, who still has much to prove but was one of the only bright spots for the team this year. And the Buffalo Sabres, who are selecting 8th, have very promising goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukonen. In conclusion, it’s possible someone pulls the trigger on Askarov top 8, but it’s not likely. With that being said, let’s look at 5 play-in teams who are good fits for Askarov.

Chicago Blackhawks

Probably the most common team selecting Yaroslav Askarov in mock drafts is the Chicago Blackhawks. They traded Robin Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights, and longtime Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford’s contract is expiring this offseason. Even if Crawford resigns in Chicago, he is not nearly his former self, and 26-year-olds Colin Delia or Malcolm Subban can be backups at best. Although they have a handful of veterans still in the roster, they are mainly building for the future and Askarov can be a top NHL goalie if they are pacient. In 2007 the Anaheim Ducks won a Stanley Cup by mixing veterans with young stars, and this can help Chicago do the same soon. Unless the Hawks bounces up to 1, they are likely targeting Yaro Askarov has their goalie of the future

Edmonton Oilers 

The team facing the Hawks in the playoffs, the Oilers have goaltending issues of their own. Mike Smith is now 38-years-old and may retire after the season, while Mikko Koskinen is 31 and hasn’t proven to be starter-worthy. Neither has their two main goalie prospects Shane Starrett and Stuart Skinner, who both struggled to show any NHL potential combining for 55 games in the AHL. With two of the best players in the NHL, many think the Oilers are a star goalie and maybe some minor maintenance to their defensive core away from being serious cup contenders. Askarov could easily be the answer if they are upset by Chicago. The Oilers are obviously good now, but if they draft Askarov and hold on to the rest of their prospects, they can be unstoppable before McDavid and Draisatl pass their primes.

Carolina Hurricanes

Another really good team held back by goaltending, many are questionable Alex Nedeljkovic has what it takes to be the starter of their future. But with a strong prospect pool including Martin Necas, Jake Bean, and Ryan Suzuki, don’t make the Hurricanes’ recent success fool you as they have a great future and only hope to get better. Similar to the Oilers, getting an elite goaltender even if he takes a while to reach the NHL level, can go a really long way. Especially with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and other young stars, the Canes are great and only trying to get better over time.

Minnesota Wild

    With high-class veterans, an emerging young star in Kevin Fiala, and one of the league’s best Top 4 defense, many would consider a new goaltender and one more star the only necessary additions for Minnesota to finally break the mediocrity and become contenders. It seems they have the up and coming forward covered with 24-year-old Russian star Kirill Kaprizov, and also adding Russian goaltender in Askarov, expect Minnesota to surprise people in the near future. Minnesota has their own pick and Pittsburgh’s pick from the Jason Zucker trade, but Pittsburgh can keep their pick if it falls in the top 15. Still, if Minnesota loses to Vancouver, unless they get lucky expect them to pick around 10-13, and I’d imagine they take Askarov if they can find a way to get their hand on him

Nashville Predators

    Pekka Rinne’s 15-year tenure will never be forgotten by Preds fans, being the face of the franchise and probably their best player ever. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. 25-year-old Juuse Saros has been solid as Rinne’s backup, but if they want someone to be as good as Rinne has been they need someone better. If they are upset by Arizona and he falls to Nashville, it would make sense drafting him, but they may find it more helpful to draft a goal-scorer.

BONUS: Toronto Maple Leafs and Arizona Coyotes

    Both these two could really use Askarov’s services, but don’t have their picks, but can get it if they win the lottery. If they do, I advise they both take Lafreniere, but it is possible they trade into the first round using seconds and other picks and prospects if he falls. It’s very unlikely, but both would benefit from having him if they could get him.

Here are all the other play-in teams and the goalie(s) that prevented them from making this list:

PIT - Tristan Jarry, Matt Murray

NYI - Ilya Sorokin

CBJ - Elvis Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo

FLA - Spencer Knight

NYR - Igor Shestyorkin, Alexandar Georgiev

MTL - Carey Price, Cayden Primeau

VAN - Thatcher Demko, Michael DiPietro

CGY - Dustin Wolf, David Rittich

WPG - Connor Hellebuyck

*Askarov is expect to be gone by pick 15 so bye teams are unincluded

What team do you want to see Yaroslav Askarov on?

By: Ben Kule