San Jose Sharks recall goalie Yaroslav Askarov

The San Jose Sharks have recalled Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov from the AHL.

Askarov, 22, was a first-round pick by Nashville in the 2020 NHL Draft and was acquired in a trade by San Jose in August.

The six-foot-three goalie, considered one of the top young players at his position, was sent down to the minors on Oct. 4, believed to be due to a lower-body injury. He has posted a 6-3 record and .939 save percentage, while allowing 17 goals with the San Jose Barracudas.

Askarov appeared in two games for the Nashville Predators last season, going 1-0-0 with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. He’s appeared in three NHL games, all with Nashville, recording a 2.58 GAA and .914 save percentage.

San Jose acquired Askarov in a trade this past summer fter the Predators re-signed Juuse Saros to a long-term extension.

The Sharks have split their starts between Mackenzie Blackwood (3-5, .914SV%) and Vitek Vanecek (2-5, .899SV%) this season. Vanecek left Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh with an injury and did not return.