NHL Rumors: Thatcher Demko, and Yaroslav Askarov

Vancouver Canucks Thatcher Demko may not be ready for Camp

Tyler Kuehl of Daily Faceoff: Rick Dhaliwal said on Sportsnet 650 radio that Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko might not be ready for the start of training camp.

“ is progressing,” Dhaliwal said. “But no timetable on when he’s going to be 100% healthy…At the time , he had not skated since . Rehab is not as fast as some want, but I’m not hearing any setbacks.”

The Canucks are keeping things quiet with regards to Demko.

Dhaliwal added that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Canucks looked at the goaltender market again and that they may need to find some insurance.

NHL Rumors: On the Nashville Predators – Yaroslav Askarov Situation

Despite the trade request, it’s still going to cost quality to land Yaroslav Askarov

Michael Gallagher: Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz figured a trade request was coming from Yaroslav Askarov’s camp once Juuse Saros was signed to his eight-year contract.

(Gallagher) got the sense from the conversations that Trotz and Askarov clashed personality-wise for Trotz to only want to commit year-by-year to Askarov and not longer.

Michael Gallagher: Trotz has been adamant all along that the return for Askarov has to be a good NHL roster player or involve an A-level prospect. A draft pick and B-level prospect won’t get it done.

Alex Daugherty: “I’ve seen some say the Askarov situation is Trotz’s “first big mistake” but that feels premature. As the GM who did not draft Askarov, he signed the proven commodity to a fair market deal over the 22-year-old prospect. Will be years before we know the result of this choice.”

  • Alex Daugherty: “Lastly, I think the trade request works in Trotz’s favor. Though there’s a shift in bargaining power, it comes with an added bonus: a bidding war during a slow month. It’s mid-August. GMs have time to stare at their rosters. More will give BT a call than would have pre 7/1.”

James Nichols: Source didn’t have a yes that the New Jersey Devils would be interested in Yaroslav Askarov, but didn’t say no either. Either way it doesn’t seem likely.