Yaroslav Askarov will be the San Jose Sharks’ starting goaltender for the 2025-26 NHL season.

The 23-year-old made headlines after his exit from the Nashville Predators, stating he wanted more opportunity to be in the NHL. While he spent the majority of his first season with the Sharks in the AHL, the pathway to the top was much more straightforward.

“Absolutely excited, and we’re almost there, ready to go,” Askarov said about the upcoming season.

Askarov played in 13 NHL games last season, finishing with four wins, a .896 save %, and a 3.10 GAA. He dealt with injuries at various points of the 24-25 season, including missing all of training camp.

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“Don’t be injured. That’s the big difference [for me]. It is always important to be with the boys on the ice [and] in the locker room,” Askarov said. “It’s always tough to be injured, because you’re on the team, but in the same moment, you’re not. You’re somewhere behind. It’s a great feeling to be with the team now.”

The San Jose Sharks goalie emphasized the importance of being available during training camp, as it helps him get comfortable with the skaters in front of him.

“Working with your team, your D, they know you. You know them.”

Askarov is getting coaching from Evgeni Nabokov, Ryan Miller, and Thomas Speer. While they all have their own style, the Sharks’ netminder says the general coaching is all the same.

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“It’s great. The first day, three great people. That helps a lot, and they are good coaches,” Askarov said. “That’s a good combo: a good person, good coach. So you can’t complain.”

Askarov’s approach to off-season improvement was simple

Askarov told reporters that he worked on staying healthy and rounding out his game.

“Pretty much everything. It’s a lot of stuff. We have to work,” the Sharks’ goalie said. “We have to grow up every day. Life’s moving forward [and] you have to move forward too if you want to be playing in the best league.”

GM Mike Grier brought in veteran goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to be the veteran presence behind Askarov. Nedeljkovic has been a starter in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and has been demoted to the AHL in his career. His experience should provide Askarov with any answers or advice he’s seeking.

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Even with the new responsibility of being the San Jose Sharks’ starting goalie, Askarov won’t let his approach change.

“I would say [to] keep the same mentality,” Askarov said. “[I’m] trying to keep focused on what I can control.”

Askarov told reporters he wants to get into a couple of Sharks preseason games, but he’s using all of the training camp scrimmages to get into game shape.

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