That "first round center (2023)" was drafted 32nd overall and has already been traded twice.

As per Askarov, he's only 22 and has had solid numbers at every level of hockey he's played. He may not be a slam dunk to be a starter in the NHL, but he's definitely at the top of the list for goaltending prospects in the league.

Methinks Trotz could have gotten more.
- mjones242

Maybe Trotz looks at the Vegas roster and thinks "this could go really poop for them?"

Since 2000, it appears 13 goalies were drafted in the 1st round
Spencer knight
Oettinger
Samsonov
Vasi
Campbell
Chet pickard
Jonathan Bernier
Price
Montoya
MAF
Lehtonen
Leclaire
Dipietro

So you've got superstars, stars, decent goalies and crap. So yup...no guarantee...but thats the risk with most players drafted.

Also, even though Askarov was drafted to meet the needs of the preds, he seems to now meet the needs of the sharks - he was extended with a 2 year contract.

https://ontapsportsnet.co...st-round-of-the-nhl-draft
- Fakepartofme

That website is a bit off. Since 2000 there have been 30 goalies drafted in the 1st round. 10 have been drafted as high or higher than Askarov and of those 2 were franchise goalies and one was a very good goalie.

Rick DiPietro pick 1 played 318 games
Marc-Andre Fleury pick 1 played 985 games
Kari Lehtonen pick 2 played 649 games
Carey Price pick 5 played 712 games
Al Montoya pick 6 played 169 games
Pascal Leclaire pick 8 played 173 games
Brent Krahn pick 9 played 1 game
Dan Blackburn pick 10 played 63 games
Jonathan Bernier pick 11 played 404 games
Jack Campbell pick 11 played 171 games
Iaroslav Askarov pick 11 played games
Spencer Knight pick 13 played 57 games
Devan Dubnyk pick 14 played 542 games
Riku Helenius pick 15 played 1 game
Marek Schwarz pick 17 played 6 games
Chet Pickard pick 18 played games
Andrey Vasilevskiy pick 19 played 425 games
Tuukka Rask pick 21 played 564 games
Ilya Samsonov pick 22 played 131 games
Semyon Varlamov pick 23 played 583 games
Malcolm Subban pick 24 played 86 games
Cam Ward pick 25 played 701 games
Jason Bacashihua pick 26 played 38 games
Cory Schneider pick 26 played 410 games
Jake Oettinger pick 26 played 139 games
Leland Irving pick 26 played 13 games
Mark Visentin pick 27 played 1 game
Adam Munro pick 29 played 17 games
Hannu Toivonen pick 29 played 61 games
Thomas McCollum pick 30 played 3 games

That website is a bit off. Since 2000 there have been 30 goalies drafted in the 1st round. 10 have been drafted as high or higher than Askarov and of those 2 were franchise goalies and one was a very good goalie.

Rick DiPietro pick 1 played 318 games
Marc-Andre Fleury pick 1 played 985 games
Kari Lehtonen pick 2 played 649 games
Carey Price pick 5 played 712 games
Al Montoya pick 6 played 169 games
Pascal Leclaire pick 8 played 173 games
Brent Krahn pick 9 played 1 game
Dan Blackburn pick 10 played 63 games
Jonathan Bernier pick 11 played 404 games
Jack Campbell pick 11 played 171 games
Iaroslav Askarov pick 11 played games
Spencer Knight pick 13 played 57 games
Devan Dubnyk pick 14 played 542 games
Riku Helenius pick 15 played 1 game
Marek Schwarz pick 17 played 6 games
Chet Pickard pick 18 played games
Andrey Vasilevskiy pick 19 played 425 games
Tuukka Rask pick 21 played 564 games
Ilya Samsonov pick 22 played 131 games
Semyon Varlamov pick 23 played 583 games
Malcolm Subban pick 24 played 86 games
Cam Ward pick 25 played 701 games
Jason Bacashihua pick 26 played 38 games
Cory Schneider pick 26 played 410 games
Jake Oettinger pick 26 played 139 games
Leland Irving pick 26 played 13 games
Mark Visentin pick 27 played 1 game
Adam Munro pick 29 played 17 games
Hannu Toivonen pick 29 played 61 games
Thomas McCollum pick 30 played 3 games
- Monkeypunk

Dallas great Brent Krahn

That website is a bit off. Since 2000 there have been 30 goalies drafted in the 1st round. 10 have been drafted as high or higher than Askarov and of those 2 were franchise goalies and one was a very good goalie.

Rick DiPietro pick 1 played 318 games
Marc-Andre Fleury pick 1 played 985 games
Kari Lehtonen pick 2 played 649 games
Carey Price pick 5 played 712 games
Al Montoya pick 6 played 169 games
Pascal Leclaire pick 8 played 173 games
Brent Krahn pick 9 played 1 game
Dan Blackburn pick 10 played 63 games
Jonathan Bernier pick 11 played 404 games
Jack Campbell pick 11 played 171 games
Iaroslav Askarov pick 11 played games
Spencer Knight pick 13 played 57 games
Devan Dubnyk pick 14 played 542 games
Riku Helenius pick 15 played 1 game
Marek Schwarz pick 17 played 6 games
Chet Pickard pick 18 played games
Andrey Vasilevskiy pick 19 played 425 games
Tuukka Rask pick 21 played 564 games
Ilya Samsonov pick 22 played 131 games
Semyon Varlamov pick 23 played 583 games
Malcolm Subban pick 24 played 86 games
Cam Ward pick 25 played 701 games
Jason Bacashihua pick 26 played 38 games
Cory Schneider pick 26 played 410 games
Jake Oettinger pick 26 played 139 games
Leland Irving pick 26 played 13 games
Mark Visentin pick 27 played 1 game
Adam Munro pick 29 played 17 games
Hannu Toivonen pick 29 played 61 games
Thomas McCollum pick 30 played 3 games
- Monkeypunk

You never know what a talented player will end up becoming. I'm sure Laine was seen as a "sure thing" and his career didn't exactly go as planned so far because of injuries and other problems.

Spencer Knight was a magnificent goaltending prospect, he had all the tools and looked like a sure thing, he had problems of his own and has yet to solidify himself as a NHL starter.

Askarov has a similar pedigree. He's big, fast, has a track record of success in his junior years and early pro career. The smart bet is that he'll succeed and be great imho. Is it possible he doesn't pan out? Of course it is.

But we're talking about a top 5 "not yet a starter" goaltender in the world here. Might even be #1 on some lists. I like the move for San Jose and Nashville actually got a few picks they can either use or trade since they are in "win now" mode.

You never know what a talented player will end up becoming. I'm sure Laine was seen as a "sure thing" and his career didn't exactly go as planned so far because of injuries and other problems.

Spencer Knight was a magnificent goaltending prospect, he had all the tools and looked like a sure thing, he had problems of his own and has yet to solidify himself as a NHL starter.

Askarov has a similar pedigree. He's big, fast, has a track record of success in his junior years and early pro career. The smart bet is that he'll succeed and be great imho. Is it possible he doesn't pan out? Of course it is.

But we're talking about a top 5 "not yet a starter" goaltender in the world here. Might even be #1 on some lists. I like the move for San Jose and Nashville actually got a few picks they can either use or trade since they are in "win now" mode.
- Scabeh

This is why they are all called prospects and you simply can't draft a guarantee. It's why I generally like more picks for a team. Just more kicks at the can.

This is why they are all called prospects and you simply can't draft a guarantee. It's why I generally like more picks for a team. Just more kicks at the can.
- Aaron_85

Bold statement right there.

You never know what a talented player will end up becoming. I'm sure Laine was seen as a "sure thing" and his career didn't exactly go as planned so far because of injuries and other problems.

Spencer Knight was a magnificent goaltending prospect, he had all the tools and looked like a sure thing, he had problems of his own and has yet to solidify himself as a NHL starter.

Askarov has a similar pedigree. He's big, fast, has a track record of success in his junior years and early pro career. The smart bet is that he'll succeed and be great imho. Is it possible he doesn't pan out? Of course it is.

But we're talking about a top 5 "not yet a starter" goaltender in the world here. Might even be #1 on some lists. I like the move for San Jose and Nashville actually got a few picks they can either use or trade since they are in "win now" mode.
- Scabeh

I said that yesterday. I very much like the move for San Jose. They are in a perfect position to roll the dice with Askarov and provide him the ability to perform and grow. I am not sure that a team that's currently "in the mix" should be taking that chance with a complete unknown. It could pay off incredibly like a certain twitchy freak you guys love so much! - but it could also flame out and leave a good team with few decent options to salvage their season.

I was throwing that out simply to note that I don't think he's a guarantee by any means. Samsonov was supposed to be better than he was. You just don't know. As noted above - prospects have a ceiling but it's up to them to reach it.

You never know what a talented player will end up becoming. I'm sure Laine was seen as a "sure thing" and his career didn't exactly go as planned so far because of injuries and other problems.

Spencer Knight was a magnificent goaltending prospect, he had all the tools and looked like a sure thing, he had problems of his own and has yet to solidify himself as a NHL starter.

Askarov has a similar pedigree. He's big, fast, has a track record of success in his junior years and early pro career. The smart bet is that he'll succeed and be great imho. Is it possible he doesn't pan out? Of course it is.

But we're talking about a top 5 "not yet a starter" goaltender in the world here. Might even be #1 on some lists. I like the move for San Jose and Nashville actually got a few picks they can either use or trade since they are in "win now" mode.
- Scabeh

Pretty much.
Either way, the preds got some decent pieces that could be used in future trades to help them win now.
SJ got a goalie they can provide ice time to and who may or may not be a star.
Good deal for both teams.

I said that yesterday. I very much like the move for San Jose. They are in a perfect position to roll the dice with Askarov and provide him the ability to perform and grow. I am not sure that a team that's currently "in the mix" should be taking that chance with a complete unknown. It could pay off incredibly like a certain twitchy freak you guys love so much! - but it could also flame out and leave a good team with few decent options to salvage their season.

I was throwing that out simply to note that I don't think he's a guarantee by any means. Samsonov was supposed to be better than he was. You just don't know. As noted above - prospects have a ceiling but it's up to them to reach it.
- Monkeypunk

Ehh... there are plenty of examples of rookie goaltenders having immediate success on contending teams and even winning the Conn Smythe.

Would have loved to see the Leafs in on Askarov. Alas...

This is why they are all called prospects and you simply can't draft a guarantee. It's why I generally like more picks for a team. Just more kicks at the can.
- Aaron_85

No need to yell, Aaron.

Ehh... there are plenty of examples of rookie goaltenders having immediate success on contending teams and even winning the Conn Smythe.

Would have loved to see the Leafs in on Askarov. Alas...
- mjones242

"Plenty"?
In the past 20 years, it looks like 4 goalies have won the Conn smythe.
I think only Cam ward was a rookie.

I believe since the late 70's only 5 rookie goalies won the cup: Roy, Bennington, Murray, hextall, ward.

Not a huge list, but Askarov doesnt have to lead his team to cup victory in his first year in order to have a successful year IMO.
Ah well.
The leafs have injury woll, Stolarz, Murray, Hildeby...hopefully one of them turn out to be our consistent #1.

No need to yell, Aaron.
- Marwood

Its only bolded.
So he was "emphasizing".
Yelling would be all caps.

ALL CAPS!!!!

No need to yell, Aaron.
- Marwood

Ehh... there are plenty of examples of rookie goaltenders having immediate success on contending teams and even winning the Conn Smythe.

Would have loved to see the Leafs in on Askarov. Alas...
- mjones242

I would have liked it but it certainly appears that Askarov wants immediate playing time and to be on his team in at least a 1B position with a clear path to the #1 position.

I don't think any team with cup aspirations can hand the keys to the car over to a guy who has 2 NHL starts and decent, but not exceptional AHL stats (17th in Save percentage as an example).

The curious decision here is that Nashville decided to sign Jusse Saros to an 8 year deal starting when he's 30 - with an anxious Askarov in the fold.

They could have traded Saros for a very decent return - and for a team whose best players are all over 30 (Forsberg 30, O'Rielly 33, Marchessault 33, Stamkos 34, Jose 34, Skjei 30) that would seem like a smart thing to do - they feel like a team that's built for the next 2-3 years at absolute best and then they are on the way down. So how much better did Nashville think Saros was than Askarov's potential to make this decision and subsequent deal?

"Plenty"?
In the past 20 years, it looks like 4 goalies have won the Conn smythe.
I think only Cam ward was a rookie.

I believe since the late 70's only 5 rookie goalies won the cup: Roy, Bennington, Murray, hextall, ward.

Not a huge list, but Askarov doesnt have to lead his team to cup victory in his first year in order to have a successful year IMO.
Ah well.
The leafs have injury woll, Stolarz, Murray, Hildeby...hopefully one of them turn out to be our consistent #1.
- Fakepartofme

I'm also curious about Akhtyamov - he has had some decent years in the VHL and KHL. He was on the same WJC team as Askarov - but was definitely in Askarov's shadow. I am pretty sure he will also be with the Marlies this year, so there's a real glut down there. Peksa is also in the ECHL (with a doubtful path to the NHL).

- AdamFrench

might just be an old habbit though

Bold statement right there.
- Scabeh

I would have liked it but it certainly appears that Askarov wants immediate playing time and to be on his team in at least a 1B position with a clear path to the #1 position.

I don't think any team with cup aspirations can hand the keys to the car over to a guy who has 2 NHL starts and decent, but not exceptional AHL stats (17th in Save percentage as an example).

The curious decision here is that Nashville decided to sign Jusse Saros to an 8 year deal starting when he's 30 - with an anxious Askarov in the fold.

They could have traded Saros for a very decent return - and for a team whose best players are all over 30 (Forsberg 30, O'Rielly 33, Marchessault 33, Stamkos 34, Jose 34, Skjei 30) that would seem like a smart thing to do - they feel like a team that's built for the next 2-3 years at absolute best and then they are on the way down. So how much better did Nashville think Saros was than Askarov's potential to make this decision and subsequent deal?
- Monkeypunk

It seems that they think that they can win now and probably hoped that Askarov would be like Corey Schneider and wait a little longer (I think he went fulltime at 24). I'm sure they could have found a way to either trade Saros or run a tandem with the two in a few years if he played ball.

But that's not how the cards played out. I imagine they will use this new prospect and the first to try to get a centreman at the deadline try to win.

No need to yell, Aaron.
- Marwood

Clearly bitter.

Its only bolded.
So he was "emphasizing".
Yelling would be all caps.

ALL CAPS!!!!
- Fakepartofme

Good point. He was just being overly emotional.

THANK YOU.

PABST BLUE RIBBON!!!

PABST BLUE RIBBON!!!
- drexel

Hipster.

Ehh... there are plenty of examples of rookie goaltenders having immediate success on contending teams and even winning the Conn Smythe.

Would have loved to see the Leafs in on Askarov. Alas...
- mjones242

What rookie goalies won the Conn Smythe outside of Hextall and Roy? I can't think of any off the top of my head.

There are also plenty of examples of goalies coming into the league and having immediate success and then once the league figures them out falling from grace spectacularly - Jack Campbell comes to mind most recently for me / Toronto.

I actually think there are more examples of goalies who come in hot and then fizzle than the other way around but maybe the falls from grace are just more memorable than the ones who came in as rookies and lit it up and stayed red hot.

Hell there were many Habs fans clamoring for Carey Price to be traded and Halak to take over as the bonafide #1 after one great playoff run by Halak in 2010 or so!


I do wonder how Halak (and Price's) career's would have gone if that had happened.

What rookie goalies won the Conn Smythe outside of Hextall and Roy? I can't think of any off the top of my head.

There are also plenty of examples of goalies coming into the league and having immediate success and then once the league figures them out falling from grace spectacularly - Jack Campbell comes to mind most recently for me / Toronto.

I actually think there are more examples of goalies who come in hot and then fizzle than the other way around but maybe the falls from grace are just more memorable than the ones who came in as rookies and lit it up and stayed red hot.

Hell there were many Habs fans clamoring for Carey Price to be traded and Halak to take over as the bonafide #1 after one great playoff run by Halak in 2010 or so!


I do wonder how Halak (and Price's) career's would have gone if that had happened.
- Cush29

1. Cam Ward...and it was a bumpy ride after that.

2. Steve Mason (RIP career)

3. Most of the time. Goalies run hot/cold, those that don't are in the HOF

4. That was pretty funny in Hainesight. Would have been glorious if they did trade him.

PABST BLUE RIBBON!!!
- drexel