Yaroslav Askarov of the Nashville Predators in goal during an NHL game

Photo credit: NHL

The latest reports emerging suggest three teams are the front runners to land Yaroslav Askarov, however there may now be an unexpected fourth team in the mix.

Now that the Nashville Predators have signed goalie Juuse Saros to a monstrous 8-year deal, it is clear that top NHL goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov no longer sees a future as a starter with that organization, and has expressed his desire to change teams, and he’s definitely attracting interest from teams.

The Nashville Predators have received numerous calls on goalie Yaroslav Askarov in the last 24 hours in the wake of the Juuse Saros extension news. The Preds are willing to move him but have set a high price they feel is warranted.

Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon believes the three top teams who could acquire Askarov are the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. There is, however, an unexpected twist to this saga, as a fourth team has just recently emerged that is willing to take a crack at acquiring the top goalie prospect.

Now that Yaroslav Askarov has requested a trade, could a good fit be the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The former 11th overall pick had a .943 save percentage in two NHL games last season, and a .911 in 44 AHL appearances.

Can Brad Treliving pull it off?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are very much interested and are going to give the other three teams a run for their money.

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Regardless of which of these four teams ends up being the winner, the good news for Askarov is that his trade wishes seem to be coming true, so he will hopefully get more NHL game action next season.