The Nashville Predators anticipate Yaroslav Askarov will be at training camp next month despite rumors circulating Monday that the young netminder wants out of the organization.
"We are aware of the report today, and our expectation is for the player to report to training camp and compete for a job in September," general manager Barry Trotz said in a statement, per NHL.com's John Glennon.
ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported Askarov has requested a trade from the Predators and won't report to AHL Milwaukee for training camp.
Askarov, 22, was the 11th overall pick in 2020 and is widely considered one of the league's top goaltending prospects. However, he doesn't appear to have a path to regular playing time in the NHL as the Predators inked starter Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension over the offseason and also added backup Scott Wedgewood on a two-year agreement.
After signing Saros in June, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported the Predators received numerous calls on Askarov's availability. Nashville was willing to move him at the time but put a big asking price on the young netminder.
Askarov's entry-level contract expires after the 2024-25 season. He carries a $925,000 cap hit at the NHL level before hitting restricted free agency next summer.
Askarov made his NHL debut in 2022-23 after an impressive KHL career with SKA St. Petersburg. Aside from three games with the Predators split over the past two seasons, Askarov has primarily been an AHL starter since coming to North America. He's posted a .911 save percentage in each of the past two seasons with the Admirals while winning 56 of 92 appearances.
