SHARKS ACQUIRE ASKAROV
The San Jose Sharks acquired goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, forward Nolan Burke and a third-round draft pick in 2025 from the Nashville Predators for center David Edstrom, goaltender Magnus Chrona and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
This trade seems to be a big win for both sides. For the Sharks, landing one of the top goaltending prospects in the world is a major coup. Askarov is probably ready to challenge both Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek for the starting job in San Jose. He is also likely to be a big building block for a young Sharks team that might be greatly improved this season.
What does it give the Nashville Predators
For the Predators, this is great value for a disgruntled goaltender who wanted out. Edstrom is a 2022 first-rounder with two-way potential. He will probably play one more season in the SHL (Sweden) before starting his North American pro career. The first-rounder in 2025 is likely the Vegas pick, but it should also help Nashville. Adding future assets is never a bad thing.
Fantasy impact
Edstrom's path to the NHL should be easier now, since the Sharks are knee-deep in center prospects. Nashville is not, so do not be surprised if Edstrom reaches the NHL by 2025-26. Askarov should be drafted in all fantasy formats that include the goaltending position, but beware of San Jose's porous defense. He will improve things, but by how much? As for Burke and Chrona, neither player will be in the NHL this season and neither has much long-range value.
