From Hertl to Askarov: The Sharks Strategic Rebuild Move
Jonathon McDowell 
(MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS)
The San Jose Sharks have been undergoing a significant transformation, a rebuild in full swing as they look to regain their competitive edge in the NHL. In a bold move, the Sharks acquired Yaroslav Askarov, the highly touted goaltending prospect, from the Nashville Predators in exchange for David Edstrom and the Vegas Golden Knights first-round pick, the same return the Sharks had previously received for Tomas Hertl last season. This trade marks a pivotal moment in the Sharks rebuild, essentially converting Tomas Hertl and the cap savings from his trade into one of the most promising young goaltenders in the league.
The Sharks Long-Term Goaltending Solution
Goaltending has been a longstanding issue for the San Jose Sharks. Since the days of Evgeni Nabokov, the Sharks have struggled to find a consistent, elite netminder to anchor their team. Martin Jones showed promise for a few seasons but ultimately faltered, leading to his buyout in 2021. Since then, the Sharks have been relying on a patchwork of veteran goaltenders and prospects, none of whom have demonstrated the potential to be a franchise cornerstone.
Yaroslav Askarov changes that narrative entirely. Drafted 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020, Askarov has been widely regarded as one of the best goaltending prospects in the league His size, athleticism, and hockey IQ make him an ideal candidate to be the Sharks long-term goaltender. At just 22 years old, Askarov has already shown flashes of brilliance in both the KHL and AHL, and with his development trajectory, he is ready to take on a significant role in the NHL this season. By acquiring Askarov, the Sharks may have secured their long-term solution in net, a crucial piece for any team with championship aspirations.
Cap Flexibility and the Hertl Trade
When the Sharks traded Tomas Hertl last season, it was a move that signaled the Sharks were all-in for their rebuild. Hertl, a fan favorite and a consistent performer, was one of the Sharks most valuable assets. Moving him to the Vegas Golden Knights not only netted the Sharks a first-round pick and David Edstrom, but it also freed up significant cap space, allowing them to be more flexible in their rebuilding efforts.
The acquisition of Yaroslav Askarov can be seen as the culmination of that trade. Essentially, the Sharks have turned Hertl and the cap savings from his departure into one of the leagues top goaltending prospects. While it’s always difficult to part with a player like Hertl, the Sharks management made a calculated decision to prioritize the future. By investing in Askarov, the Sharks are building towards sustained success rather than trying to cling to the past. This trade is a testament to the Sharks commitment to their rebuild and their willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of the franchise.
A Perfect Fit for a Rebuilding Team
Yaroslav Askarov is not just a highly talented goaltender; he’s also the perfect fit for a team in the midst of a rebuild. Rebuilding teams often struggle with consistency, particularly on defense, as they integrate younger, less experienced players into their lineup. Having a goaltender like Askarov, who is capable of making highlight-reel saves and stealing games, can be a stabilizing force for a young team. His ability to bail out his teammates when they make mistakes will be invaluable as the Sharks young core develops.
Moreover, Askarov’s experience playing in high-pressure situations in Russia and his exposure to the North American style of play in the AHL have prepared him well for the NHL. He has shown that he can handle the mental and physical demands of being a top goaltender, which is exactly what the Sharks need as they navigate through their rebuild.
The Potential to Build Around Askarov
Every successful NHL team has a strong foundation, and goaltending is often the bedrock of that foundation. With Yaroslav Askarov in the fold, the Sharks have the opportunity to build a team around a franchise-caliber goaltender. This opens up numerous possibilities for how the Sharks can shape their roster moving forward.
A reliable, elite goaltender can change the way a team plays. Knowing they have Askarov in net, the Sharks can afford to take more risks offensively, which could accelerate the development of their young forwards. Players like William Eklund, Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini can play with more confidence, knowing that they have a safety net behind them. Additionally, Askarov’s puck-handling skills will be a boon for the Sharks defense, allowing them to transition the puck more effectively and quickly out of their own zone.
A New Identity for the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks have long been known as a team built around veteran leadership and high-powered offense. However, as they move forward in their rebuild, the identity of the team is bound to change. With Yaroslav Askarov, the Sharks have the chance to redefine themselves as a team built around elite goaltending and a strong balanced structure.
Askarov’s presence in net will allow the Sharks to focus on developing a more balanced team. Balanced teams with elite goaltending have often found success in the NHL, and the Sharks could follow a similar path. This new identity could be the key to the Sharks return to playoff contention in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring Yaroslav Askarov is a move that could pay dividends for the San Jose Sharks for years to come. By essentially turning Tomas Hertl and the resulting cap savings into one of the most promising goaltending prospects in the league, the Sharks have made a significant investment in their future. Askarov’s potential, combined with his perfect fit for a rebuilding team, makes this trade a masterstroke for the Sharks. If Askarov develops into the franchise goaltender that many believe he can be, this trade could be looked back on as the turning point in the Sharks return to NHL prominence.
