Juuse Saros inked a long-term extension in Nashville this off-season, and now, it appears to be leading to the departure of a former top pick.

The future of Juuse Saros has been a major talking point in Nashville for the past few trade deadlines, but the two parties put that conversation to bed this summer, inking him to an eight-year deal worth $7.5 million AAV.

Juuse Saros, signed to an 8x$7.5M extension by NSH, is a high-end starting goalie who's led the league in games played for three consecutive seasons while finishing top 6 in Vezina voting for four straight years. Even in his down-year in 2023-24 he was just mid. #Preds

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Now, former first-round pick Yaroslav Askarov appears to want out, with his agent Dan Millstein hinting towards that in a recent interview.

Yaroslav Askarov's agent Dan Milstein recently spoke to a Russian news outlet about his future 👇

«Askarov has the potential & should become an elite goaltender in the NHL. Recently we have been working together with the club under different scenarios. Yaroslav has proven himself that he's an NHL player»

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Given Saros' production and consistency, it makes sense for the team to keep him long-term, but now, all signs are point to Askorov asking out.

It seems inevitable that Yaroslav Askarov will be traded by #Preds. How long might it take, and why Barry Trotz can show patience and eventually get his high asking price.

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Given that Askarov is still young, a deal doesn't have to happen soon, but if he has desires to start in the NHL, expect it to become a major talking point in Nashville.

Source: House of Hockey
Preds goalie Askarov no longer interested in playing for team

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Nashville Predators top-15 pick demands to be traded