NASHVILLE (Tenn.) — The PredatorsTwo years after becoming the sixth Russian-born goalie in the NHL draft's first round, we have signed Iaroslav Askarov on a three-year entry-level contract. 11 overall.
The 19 year-old spent most 2021-22 season playing for Neva Saint Petersburg of the VHL. In his home country, Askarov posted a 5-2-2 mark with a 2.57 goals per game average and a record of 5-2 with the VHL. Askarov also played six times in the KHL for SKA Saint Petersburg with a 1.81 GAA, and a.913 save percent. In his nine previous KHL appearances, Askarov was 5-4-0 with an shutout and posted a 1.21 GAA as well as a.951 saving percentage.
He is a 6-foot-3 right-catcher and has won a silver medal at the 2020 World Junior Championship. He won gold in the Under-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, making 35 saves against Canada. Additionally, he helped Russia win the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge gold.
