The Sharks should consider giving Yaroslav Askarov a chance

The San Jose Sharks are off to an 0-4-2 start to the season, with a disappointing first few weeks for the rebuilding franchise. In net, Vitek Vanecek posted an .884 save percentage in his four appearances, while Mackenzie Blackwood posted an .875 save percentage in his first three contests.

This begs the question: Is it time for the Sharks to take a look at Yaroslav Askarov? The Nashville Predators’ former 2020 first-round pick was acquired from San Jose before the season and unfortunately was unable to complete a full training camp/preseason schedule due to injuries.

The Russian left wing goaltender is currently as healthy as ever, and after being sent to the American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, he has posted back-to-back shutouts in his two appearances.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LiveTyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen welcomed former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton to the program and addressed Askarov’s start and asked whether he should ask for a recall sooner rather than later.

Cohen: Let’s go west for a minute and look at Askarov. Two shutouts for the San Jose Barracuda, which I’m thrilled about. Should he be done with the American (Hockey) League? Rarely do you hear a general manager or a hockey management guy say, “There’s such a thing as too much seasoning in the youth players.”

But is it time to let him get closer to a guy like him and see if he can help this San Jose team that’s a little but pretty disorganized defensively?

Hutton: Yes, that is the biggest question mark here. In those shutouts, 22 saves, 26 saves, he wasn’t as busy as he’ll be coming to San Jose. But at this point, the Sharks are 0-4-2 and haven’t even picked up a win in regulation time. So here I think to give him the chance, especially with his behavior. This is a guy who has the…almost arrogance.

You see, when he wins games, he shuts down the network. Blackwood wasn’t great, .875 save percentage, Vanecek .884. And these are goalies that I believe can carry the baggage, but at the same time, this San Jose team needs a spark, and maybe this is the guy. At some point I think you have to bet on him. Even if you get him up in a few games and things don’t go well, you can always send him back. But at this point it really can’t hurt to try.

For more on the Blue Paint with Hutton and the latest from the NHL, watch the full episode here.