It is unclear when the Nashville Predators will trade Yaroslav Askarov, but it will happen eventually. All signs point to Askarov’s greatness now that Juuse Saros has signed an eight-year contract. Darcy Kuemper, David Rittich, and Pheonix Copley are the projected starting goaltenders for the Los Angeles Kings’ upcoming season.
Erik Portillo, who the Kings acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in March 2023, is a potential young forward who has only been out of college for a year and who played in the AHL as a rookie last season. Both Askarov and his agency are certain that he will be able to contribute fully to the NHL next year. At 22 years old in 2024–25, there aren’t many places he could go via trade if he doesn’t get hurt.
The Kings are a respectable playoff team that features both young, promising players and seasoned veterans who are nearing the conclusion of their careers. If you’re a young goalie looking to break out, it’s ideal to do it while playing for a younger squad. Askarov is following in the footsteps of previous great goaltender prospects and former goalies who have gone on to become exceptional talent in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Kings should be considered, but a deal involving Barry Trotz and the Predators is unlikely to happen quickly. The Kings have some promising young players and are working to strengthen their organization, but they must first decline in quality.
