Askarov??

[Cranky]

He just told Preds he's not reporting to the AHL.

He is rated by most as one of best goalie prospects. .911 twice in the AHL (15 highest).

He's very likely NHL starter material but unproven. Also Russian flight risk if things don't go his way.

I don't think much of Primeau but I'm also leary of Askorov. Like all goalies, proof is in the pudding...and there is no guarantee of cherries.

Then there is the cost. Hughes is too cautious to give too much for him and there are plenty of dumb GMs.

Thoughts?

[seventeen]

Was thinking of this over the last week, as Askarov has been dangled ever since Saros got signed to the long extension. I believe Nashville tried to get the #5 pick by offering Askarov plus some other stuff. Not nearly good enough, of course.

I see a couple of issues. First, Primeau would have to be going the other way. We can't have a 3 goalie situation again. Second, we have Fowler on the way so is Askarov insurance or is he he projected #1 and Fowler becomes trade bait?

I think you can work around those points, but only if management believes Askarov is the real deal and if the cost isn't exorbitant. Nashville is not under real pressure as they can ignore Askarov's demands, but they would be wasting an asset who may have it's highest value right now.

On balance I don't think a deal for Askarov will come to pass. The cost will be high (despite the fact a goalie is involved and they usually don't fetch what they're really worth) and the Habs have options. One of Monty, Primeau, Dobes or Fowler might be good enough to be our #1. That's four chances.

I wouldn't mind Askarov on the club. As you mention, Cranky, having another Russian to ease Demidov's transition would be nice, Askarov has a high ceiling and his age is right in our wheelhouse.

[Tankdriver]

Could do Primeau and our Columbus second rounder or Barron?

[Willie Dog]

Habs must really like Fowler

[Cranky]

Fowler for Askarov? That makes sense....said no one in the univers.

Askarov is not exactly blowing the roof off in the AHL and already making demands.

[IamCanadiens]

Sept 21, 2024 23:22:25 GMT -5 Cranky said:

Fowler for Askarov? That makes sense....said no one in the univers.

Askarov is not exactly blowing the roof off in the AHL and already making demands.

Additionally this group has repeatedly stated that they have zero interest in making lateral moves. Conversely, I could see this from Nashville's perspective. They'd get a promising goalie that's younger and not disgruntled. That would buy them some time. Can't blame the Preds for kicking tires.

[madhabber]

From what I heard on one of the talk shows (could of been Marinaro), the Preds also wanted a 1st.

It's a big no from me. The Habs are building a team. They don't need a "me-me-me" kind of guy.

[Polarice]

The Habs are wanting a one, two punch system like they had with Price and Halak...so trading Fowler made no sense. I heard they offered one of the two tenders we have now, I'm not sure but heard Primeau's name thrown around.

[jkr]

I was reading the ticker on TSN( it's sometimes more interesting than their programming) and saw that Askarov has been sent down to the AHL by SJ.

[Willie Dog]

Sept 23, 2024 5:46:43 GMT -5 Polarice said:

The Habs are wanting a one, two punch system like they had with Price and Halak...so trading Fowler made no sense. I heard they offered one of the two tenders we have now, I'm not sure but heard Primeau's name thrown around.

I could see a Dobes-Fowler combo