Yaroslav Askarov tells Nashville Predators he won't report to AHL team

There has been a new development in the ongoing saga of goaltending prospect Yarslav Askarov and the Nashville Predators. Askarov had previously requested a trade out of Nashville after the team signed fellow goaltender Juuse Saros to a huge new contract, knowing that his ability to get ice time in the NHL with the Predators had been reduced significantly. Now comes word from Kevin Weekes that, NHL training camps under a month away, Askarov has informed Nashville he won't be reporting to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL if that's the team's intention.

Askarov has just three NHL games under his belt in Nashville so far, but there is plenty of interest in the former 11th overall pick. Several teams are looking for a potential number one goaltender, and Askarov certainly fits the bill.

It was reported by The Hockey News that rumours of Yaroslav Askarov being traded to the Montreal Canadiens are heating up. The move would make a lot of sense for the Habs, a mostly young team attempting to get back to being competitive and making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There is also rumoured to be interest from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and others.

Askarov's refusal to report to the Predators' AHL team will likely force GM Barry Trotz' hand. Trotz was said to be biding his time, waiting for the right deal to come along for his young netminder. Keeping Askarov on the sidelines will only serve to lessen his trade value.