Evan’s NHL Daily: Askarov Asks Out, Canadiens Snag Laine

For the middle of August, we kind of got a lot of NHL news on Monday. Nashville has reportedly been shopping Yaroslav Askarov since the NHL Draft, but they’ve been asking for a lot. That makes sense, as they drafted him high and he’s a very good prospect. The news of him not wanting to report to the AHL can’t exactly help his leverage if a deal is to get done.

A few hours later, the long-awaited Patrik Laine deal finally went down, as the former 40 goal scorer is headed back to Canada. Can he help the Canadiens get back to the playoffs?

Colorado Hockey Now

Two preseason games down for Ilya Nabokov. Here’s some of the top highlights I put together from his preseason so far…

News And Rumors

X: Nashville had to have seen this coming, right? You have a young goaltender who thinks he’s ready for NHL time, you signed your starter to an eight-year extension, and you brought in a veteran backup. What did they think was going to happen?

**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told that Top Goalie Prospect Askarov has informed the @PredsNHL that he will not report to their @TheAHL team, and has requested a trade. #HockeyX #Preds pic.twitter.com/EQFGs7FUJK

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) August 19, 2024

Goaltenders with little to no NHL experience, which is what Askarov have, don’t usually fetch a ton. That’s why Trotz continuing to ask for a kings ransom never made sense. I don’t think he’ll come close to getting what he wants now, and I think the Avalanche should be one of the teams calling. More on that later today…

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens were one of the few teams that had the cap space to take on Patrik Laine’s contract, and they’re doing just that. Patrik Laine is now a member of the Montreal Canadiens. Here’s some more analysis on it, as Montreal used their depth on defense to pick up the scoring winger.

Quite frankly, I think it’s a good deal for both sides. Laine’s issue isn’t scoring goals. His issue is staying on the ice. He’s nearly a point-per-game player over the last three seasons, but he just hasn’t played much due to injuries and his time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. From Columbus’ perspective, they didn’t have to retain any money and got a good, young defenseman in the deal. Not bad considering the market had to have been pretty small.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks are more interested in players that can help the room right now more than help on the ice, and a guy like Cody Ceci can help with that.

New Jersey Hockey Now: One team that likely won’t be pursuing Askarov…the New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins will look different next season, but will they look better? People really just want a Sidney Crosby extension.