The Nashville Predators have signed top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov to a three-year NHL entry-level contract.
Askarov, 19, was drafted 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020. Askarov made a name for himself early on thanks to many successful appearances with Russia’s junior team and has generally impressed during his KHL career.
The 6-foot-4 goaltender has an 8-5-2 record with SKA St. Petersburg and posted a 5-2-2 record in the VHL, the second top men’s league in Russia.
Askarov was Russia’s starting goalie in the short-lived World Junior Championship, but will not take part in the return of the event after Russia was removed due to the invasion on Ukraine.
Instead, he’ll be focused on trying to make Nashville as a backup to Juuse Saros next season, with hopes of fighting for the starting gig before long.
