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You can’t have them all.
While many fans may have been holding out hope for the New Jersey Devils to draft Yaroslav Askarov last week, I wasn’t anticipating Tom Fitzgerald to pull off the second major goalie trade of the 2024 offseason. With Askarov moving to the Sharks, where Mike Grier stated he will compete against Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood for an NHL spot during training camp, some supporters might feel like they’ve lost out on a “can’t miss” goalie prospect. If he might accept an AHL assignment from San Jose, surely he would have from New Jersey — right? Still, if we look back over the past 20 years, we see that some of these “can’t miss” goalies do indeed end up not panning out — or they may not perform as well or for as long as expected.
The San Jose Sharks have a couple of years before they need to transition from losing to competing. Most of their prospects are still quite young, allowing them to wait a little longer before unlocking Askarov’s full potential. Conversely, the Devils are eager to win this year, next year, and the following year. Jacob Markström might only be under contract for the next two seasons and he will be 34 years old. Nevertheless, he remains the superior choice for the Devils as they chase a Stanley Cup.
You might think, well, of course Markström is the better choice to win! However, this emphasizes why it would have been a limiting decision to acquire Askarov at this time. Markström would have started every playoff game regardless, even if Fitzgerald had also secured the young goalie. With Markström maintaining elite save stats above expectations — particularly on shots and deflections near the net — Askarov would not have had the opportunity for a significant role this season. Just check out HockeyViz’s save maps for Markström from the past season — he excels against shots from the slot and has limited vulnerabilities to point shots and slap shots in the face-off circle (likely stemming from power plays), which is something competent coaches (shoutout to Ryan McGill and Travis Keefe) can manage effectively.
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Had Jacob Markstrom not been an exceptional goaltender known for consistently saving a significant number of high-danger shots, my perspective would differ. I would have been monitoring the Askarov speculations as avidly as one does on NHL free agency day — fixated on the internet, eager for every piece of news that finds its way to Twitter. In my view, Tom Fitzgerald has already managed the goaltending situation effectively for now.
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If anything, my disappointment stemmed from Fitz’s failure to select Ilya Nabokov in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. However, I couldn’t fault him; Nabokov was chosen 11 spots ahead, just before they opted for Mikhail Yegorov, who remains a solid goalie prospect.
Ultimately, you can’t acquire every player. Furthermore, I don’t believe it would have been wise to trade away someone for a player who would only serve as a backup goaltender at best this season. Within these circles, there’s often discussion about using Dawson Mercer as trade bait, but Mercer is expected to be a top-six forward this year. Even in San Jose, Askarov might not become an NHL regular. If Mercer were required as part of the asking price for Askarov, it could have severely impacted the team’s chances of winning this season. Should the Devils have reached the playoffs and been forced to rely on Askarov, the outcome could have been dire.
Heard a lot of different possibilities over the last week — including Montreal and New Jersey — but it’s the Sharks that get him
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 23, 2024
Do I believe the Devils could have assembled an appealing package for Askarov without including Mercer? Certainly, but that approach would have its challenges. Perhaps a combination of Arseni Gritsyuk, Seamus Casey, and a future first-round pick would suffice. It’s possible Fitzgerald proposed such a deal, only to be turned down due to Nashville’s asset preferences (as noted in Friedman’s Tweet above). Looking at our Top 25 Under 25, it’s worth considering — does this prospect group remain strong at this point? It appears significantly weaker compared to a year or two ago. While there are still promising players in the system, further trades might leave the Devils looking quite thin in terms of non-NHL prospects.
Within the context of a Stanley Cup contention window, I believe the team should prioritize what enhances their chances of winning now. The duration of this competitive lineup is uncertain. It’s possible that some prospects might be traded this season to bolster the offense. There’s also a chance that Arseni Gritsyuk will join the team after completing his KHL season, potentially becoming a regular just in time for the Devils’ playoff push. Regardless, this season’s fate will likely hinge more on the skaters than on goalie concerns.
Would acquiring Askarov have been beneficial in the coming years? Likely, but not guaranteed. The Devils still possess strong goaltending prospects in Nico Daws and Jakub Malek. Let’s remember that prior to Nico Daws experiencing fatigue, he achieved a .912 save percentage during his first 12 games of the 2023-24 season. Notably, in six games where he enjoyed three days or more of rest, his save percentage rose to .931. Five of his initial nine appearances occurred with such rest, compared to only one in his last 12. I genuinely believe Daws could have served as a solid backup this season, but he is likely better suited to manage 45 or 50 games in the AHL. As for Jakub Malek, the Devils have a premier young goalkeeper in Europe, at the same age as Askarov, who posted a better save percentage in the more challenging Finnish Liiga than Askarov did in the American Hockey League. Between Daws and Malek, I maintain reasonable confidence that the Devils possess a future starting goaltender, or at the very least, a formidable duo.
Ultimately, the timing for this trade simply wasn’t right. Perhaps, if the Devils had more depth in their prospect system, or
If there was a situation in the NHL where an odd-man out needed resolution, they could have outbid Nashville’s offer. Markström is a goaltender eager for another playoff run and determined to make his inaugural Cup Final appearance. Given the recent performance of goalies into their 30s, I believe Markström will complement the youthful energy and enthusiasm exhibited by the Devils’ skaters in their style of play.
Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on the Sharks acquiring Askarov? Did you view Askarov as more of a strategic move for this season or for the long term? Would it have been justifiable to sacrifice current competitiveness for the potential of Askarov being a superior goalie in the future? Do you believe Markström has the ability to guide the Devils to a Stanley Cup victory? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and thank you for reading.
Navigating Goalie Decisions: Why Acquiring Yaroslav Askarov May Not Have Been the Best Move for the New Jersey Devils
Understanding the Goalie Landscape
In the ever-evolving world of NHL goaltending, decisions surrounding player acquisitions can shape an entire team’s future. Goalies are integral to a team’s success, and the choices made in this position can resonate through the lineup. For the New Jersey Devils, acquiring Yaroslav Askarov has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. But what are the implications of this decision?
The Case for Acquiring Yaroslav Askarov
Yaroslav Askarov, a highly touted prospect, was selected 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft. His impressive junior career and international performances led many to believe he would become a franchise goaltender. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind the Devils’ interest:
- Elite Skill Set: Askarov possesses excellent reflexes, a strong positional sense, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
- Youth and Potential: At just 21 years old, Askarov has the potential to develop into one of the league’s premier goalies.
- Long-Term Solution: With the Devils looking to build a competitive roster, securing a young goalie can be pivotal for long-term success.
Concerns and Potential Drawbacks of the Decision
While Askarov’s talent is undeniable, there are several reasons why acquiring him may not have been the best move for the New Jersey Devils:
1. Development and Adaptation Period
Moving from junior leagues to the NHL is a significant leap. Many goalies, including Askarov, require time to adjust to the speed and intensity of the professional game. Past top prospects have struggled during their transition, leading to concerns about:
- Potential setbacks in development.
- Struggles to find consistency in performance.
2. Existing Roster Strength
The Devils already have promising goalies such as Mackenzie Blackwood and Akira Schmid. These players have shown flashes of brilliance and have experience in the NHL:
| Goaltender | Games Played (2022-2023) | Save Percentage | Goals Against Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie Blackwood | 30 | .910 | 2.92 |
| Akira Schmid | 24 | .914 | 2.87 |
These goalies have already established themselves at the NHL level, making it questionable whether the Devils needed to bring in Askarov at this time.
3. Roster Management and Cap Space Issues
Acquiring Askarov may have financial implications, especially in terms of salary cap space. The Devils have invested significantly in various positions, and adding another young goalie could strain their budget:
– **Cap Management:** The need to balance player salaries and ensure long-term financial health is critical.
– **Opportunity Costs:** Resources used to acquire Askarov could have been allocated to strengthen other areas of the team, such as defense or forward depth.
Alternative Strategies for Goalie Acquisition
Instead of pursuing Askarov, the New Jersey Devils could consider other strategies to bolster their goaltending:
1. Develop Homegrown Talent
Investing in player development programs can yield long-term benefits. Focus on nurturing young talent within the organization may lead to successful goalies without the need for high-profile acquisitions.
2. Explore Free Agency and Trades
The market for veteran goalies often presents opportunities to acquire experienced players who can contribute immediately. Consideration of current free-agent options or trades could provide short-term stability while the younger talent continues to mature.
3. Utilize a Goalie Tandem
Using a goalie tandem approach allows teams to share the workload between two or more goalies. This not only preserves player health but can also provide a competitive edge, especially against well-matched opponents.
Case Studies: Successful Goalies Who Started Slow
Examining past cases can provide insight into the realities of goalie development.
1. Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers)
Carter Hart was highly regarded as a top prospect but faced significant challenges in his early NHL career. Despite the hype, Hart struggled with consistency, leading to questions about his readiness. Over time, he learned to adapt, demonstrating that patience can lead to transformation.
2. Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)
Igor Shesterkin had impressive credentials, but his initial NHL exposure was rocky. However, he eventually found his groove and became one of the league’s top goaltenders. Shesterkin’s journey highlights the importance of time and support in player development.
Firsthand Experience: Insights from Coaches and Analysts
Coaches and analysts play a vital role in player development and can provide valuable context regarding goalie decisions. Insights from those within the organization can shed light on the strategies being employed with their goaltending.
– **Coaching Philosophy:** Coaches may emphasize the need for goalies to build confidence and adapt to game scenarios before assuming a full-time role.
– **Analytical Approach:** Data-driven analysis can help identify trends and areas of improvement for goalies, guiding development and training practices.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Success
If the New Jersey Devils are committed to improving their goaltending situation, several strategies can help ensure success moving forward:
- Invest in Player Development: Focus on training programs that enhance skills and game understanding.
- Monitor Performance Metrics: Use analytics to assess where goalies excel and where they need improvement.
- Foster a Supportive Environment: Ensure goalies feel confident and supported both on and off the ice.
Conclusion
Acquiring Yaroslav Askarov is a decision that carries both promise and potential pitfalls for the New Jersey Devils. By weighing the existing roster, considering alternative options, and learning from past experiences, the Devils can navigate their goaltending decisions more effectively. Ultimately, the future of the organization hinges on smart management and strategic planning in this crucial position.
