Yaroslav Askarov's AHL Assignment Should Not Worry San Jose Sharks Fans
Yaroslav Askarov has been cut from the San Jose Sharks training camp roster, but that shouldn't be cause for concern among the fanbase. Scrolling through Twitter (I refuse to call it X; bite me, Elon), I can see some people getting slightly concerned about what this means for the Sharks moving forward. Askarov refused to play in the AHL for the Nashville Predators organization, and some fans are concerned that there may be issues arising from this now with the Sharks.
This situation is different. Askarov is almost sure to see time in the NHL this season. Mackenzie Blackwood has issues staying out of the treatment room, and Vitek Vanacek has issues stopping pucks. Between those two, Askarov will get a fair share of games this season at some point. This is not permanent since Askarov can move up and down with no issues. He'll be able to come back up without a problem.
He's also spent considerable time on the shelf through this preseason. Askarov's injuries have undoubtedly played a factor in this decision. It's better to temporarily send him down to the Barracuda to get back into game shape and used to stopping pucks before getting him into the NHL. Don't rush him straight back into the NHL when you risk injuring him again. He'll get plenty of NHL starts this season.
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This differs entirely from the situation in Nashville, where Juuse Saros blocked the path to the starter's crease. San Jose is not burdened with a starting goaltender of that caliber right now. I like Mackenzie Blackwood as a goaltender more than most, but he's not of that caliber, and Askarov will displace him at some point. That's a matter of when -not if.
Askarov's placement in the AHL will be temporary, with the team likely bringing him up as much as possible. Blackwood's health concerns will also give the Sharks games where Askarov will be needed. Askarov might not be happy starting in the AHL, but this situation will be resolved quickly once he is back up to speed. He's got that two-year extension after this year, so there is no concern about losing the young netminder.