What has been apparent since early July is that the pathway to the NHL lies elsewhere for Nashville prospect Yaroslav Askarov. The Predators locked up Juuse Saros for another eight years and added established NHL backup Scott Wedgewood on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old had a second excellent AHL season with Milwaukee, but only appeared in two games with the Preds this season. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the chatter in NHL circles is that Askarov does not want to play another year with the Admirals and that teams looking for a long-term solution in goal could be checking in with GM Barry Trotz.

Any goaltending wish list has to start with the Los Angeles Kings, who took on the fading Darcy Kuemper to get rid of the long-term deal of Pierre-Luc Dubois and have David Rittich and Phoenix Copley to complete their uninspiring trio.

Carolina has been hesitant to give the reins to Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen is a free agent after this season.

Montreal is still not to the point of being ready to contend for a playoff spot, and have a young promising goalie in Cayden Primeau along with Samuel Montembeault.

Ottawa traded for Vezina winner Linus Ullmark, but both he and backup Anton Forsberg’s contracts are up after this season.

Utah may not have a long-term answer with Karel Vejmelka entering the final year of his contract, unless you believe Connor Ingram is for real.

Who do you think needs Askarov the most?

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