Sharks‘ Goalie Prospect Askarov Showing Meaningful Betterment, According to Expert Analysis
SAN JOSE, CA - San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov is demonstrating marked improvement in his game, prompting optimism from hockey analysts. A recent episode of the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast featured goalie guru Kevin Woodley, who detailed the specifics behind Askarov’s strong November performance.The discussion also touched on the underrated play of Sharks netminder Alex nedeljkovic, alongside team forward evaluations and prospect updates.
Askarov’s development is crucial for the Sharks’ long-term success, as a reliable starting goaltender remains a key need for the rebuilding franchise. Woodley’s insights offer a deeper understanding of the adjustments Askarov has made, potentially accelerating his path to becoming a consistent NHL contributor. The podcast further explored internal team decisions, including the call-up of Zack Ostapchuk over other promising prospects like Quentin Musty and Igor Chernyshov, and debated the sharks’ current forward depth, specifically comparing the progress of William Eklund and Will Smith.
Woodley’s analysis highlighted specific areas of Askarov’s game that have seen positive change this season. The podcast also included a prospects focus from Keegan, who discussed Chernyshov’s strengths and weaknesses, and introduced Ethan Belchetz, a projected top pick in the 2026 draft with a connection to Michael Misa.
The episode also addressed the Sharks’ defensive struggles, with significant discussion around the play of John Klingberg, Dmitry Orlov, and Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Listeners can find the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpADVRh5IPCdD2uRw1i and Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/san-jose-hockey-now-podcast/id1694200934.
