Canadiens Reportedly Refused Trade Involving Top Prospect, and Fans Fully Support the Decision
Pierre LeBrun revealed that the Montreal Canadiens were among the five finalist teams to acquire Yaroslav Askarov.
He is considered by many as one of the top goalie prospects in the NHL.
LeBrun confirmed during his segment on BPM Sports that there had been discussions between the Nashville Predators and the Canadiens, but negotiations fell through when Barry Trotz insisted on including Jacob Fowler in the trade.
The Montreal Canadiens Refused a Trade Involving Yaroslav Askarov and Jacob Fowler
Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadiens, refused, thus highlighting the importance the organization places on Fowler.
The potential of Jacob Fowler was highlighted by Martin Lapointe, who spoke of him as a future goalie after his selection in the 2023 draft. His recent performances in the NCAA have reinforced this perception within the Montreal management.
The refusal to include Fowler in the trade demonstrates the organization's confidence in his development, even when faced with the opportunity to acquire a talent like Askarov.
Some wonder if Askarov's attitude or other factors influenced Hughes' decision, but it seems clear that the club favors its internal prospects.
The refusal shows how much the Canadiens' management believes in their young goaltender.
Knowing that, according to Pierre LeBrun, the Preds indeed wanted Jacob Fowler for Yaroslav Askarov.
The BPM Sports network asked fans if they would have traded Jacob Fowler, Oliver Kapanen, and the Panthers' or Flames' first-round pick in exchange for goalie Askarov.
The response is unequivocal, and especially with Kapanen's strong start to the season, I believe time has proven the Montreal Canadiens' fans right.
88.3% of respondents refused to make this trade, and it seems to be absolutely the right decision.
