Never thought I'd say this five years ago but the Devils now have an abundance of quality young defensemen. Fitz needs to focus short-term no doubt but has to keep an eye on sustaining long-term success and what better way to have Askarov learn under the tutelage of Markstrom next year as the 1B and become the heir apparent. Perhaps Fitz can cash in on that solid he did with Trotz and David Poile at the end of the draft two years ago.
Yeah, Askarov would set them up for the post-Markstrom years pretty well. I bet the Preds will be patient unless they get an offer that blows them away, though
1. The Preds want to win now. Any trade for Askarov will likely involve roster players (plural) instead of prospects. Maybe one prospect but I think it will take at least one roster player. Yet another reason to hate VGK coercing Fitz to trade Holtz.
2. Even if they do get him, Askarov wants to compete for a starting position now. I don’t see that with the tandem we have at this point in time. Will he want to wait a year? I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound like it.
I think the Devils could sell him on their situation pretty well. With NSH, Saros ain't going anywhere anytime soon I don't think. He'll always be blocked from big minutes there, but that could come to him pretty soon with NJD
Never thought I'd say this five years ago but the Devils now have an abundance of quality young defensemen. Fitz needs to focus short-term no doubt but has to keep an eye on sustaining long-term success and what better way to have Askarov learn under the tutelage of Markstrom next year as the 1B and become the heir apparent. Perhaps Fitz can cash in on that solid he did with Trotz and David Poile at the end of the draft two years ago.
Yeah, Askarov would set them up for the post-Markstrom years pretty well. I bet the Preds will be patient unless they get an offer that blows them away, though
I see two issues with this.
1. The Preds want to win now. Any trade for Askarov will likely involve roster players (plural) instead of prospects. Maybe one prospect but I think it will take at least one roster player. Yet another reason to hate VGK coercing Fitz to trade Holtz.
2. Even if they do get him, Askarov wants to compete for a starting position now. I don’t see that with the tandem we have at this point in time. Will he want to wait a year? I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound like it.
I think the Devils could sell him on their situation pretty well. With NSH, Saros ain't going anywhere anytime soon I don't think. He'll always be blocked from big minutes there, but that could come to him pretty soon with NJD