Top goaltending prospect linked to Canadian team with trade talks heating up

The Nashville Predators have been pretty straightforward with the direction of their franchise ever since they re-signed Juuse Saros. Saros was rumoured to be on the block for majority of last year, and they ended the rumours by signing him to an 8 year contract.

This was a big decision for them, since they have a blue-chip prospect in goalie Yaroslav Askarov. Askarov has graduated out of the AHL, looking for a full time role in the NHL. The Predators weren't ready to give it to him yet, causing them to look to trade him so they can satisfy his playing time demands. According to a new report from Yahoo Sports, Askarov has been linked to multiple places, with the Montreal Canadiens seeming to be the front runner for him right now.

Elliotte Friedman broke the news on his 32 thoughts podcast, saying that the Predators are «looking for either an established NHL player that makes sense to acquire for Askarov or another high ceiling prospect that is not a goalie. A forward or a defense, that's what the Predators are looking for."

The link makes sense as well, as the Canadiens are in desperate need of their goaltender of the future. The Canadiens have no shortage of prospects to offer in return either, but may struggle to add an established NHL player that would fit the return the Predators are looking for.

Not long ago, the Edmonton Oilers would've been a top team linked to a young star goaltending prospect like Askarov. However, now that Stuart Skinner emerged as a true starter this year with the veteran Pickard behind him, the Oilers will likely be checking out of the Goalie market for a number of years.

The Predators also only have $3M in cap space, so for any substantial NHL player they'd need retention from the Canadiens. The Canadiens would most likely give up a mid tier prospect and possibly also a pick, as Askarov has been a monster in net. They could continue to develop prospect Jacob Fowler with Askarov immediately getting NHL time, which would be a great scenario for everyone involved.