Acquisition of Yaroslav Askarov by Kent Hughes? The Canadiens have no choice but to get him

Following a bold statement by the Nashville Predators' general manager, Barry Trotz, who openly mentioned that Juuse Saros is the future goaltender for the franchise, several insiders have suggested that the days of the promising young Yaroslav Askarov might be numbered within the organization.

Recall that Trotz had seriously shopped the Russian netminder in the last draft, even offering a package with one or more first-round picks to move up into the top 5 of that draft.

Given Askarov's potential availability on the market, during a segment of the Laraque and Gonzalez show on BPM Sports radio, the two discussed the possibility of the Canadiens being involved.

According to the former NHL enforcer, Kent Hughes absolutely must seize this opportunity.

He argues that the team currently has too many prospects and needs to trade one or more defensemen to Nashville. He even asserts that the Canadiens are obligated to pursue him.

Indeed, acquiring the 11th overall pick from 2020 would secure the Canadiens' goaltending future for about a decade. He has the potential to become a star in the NHL, and he's only 21 years old.

On the other hand, the asking price might be steep, and I wouldn't include any young defensemen like Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, or Lane Hutson. Unless including someone like Jordan Harris or Justin Barron, along with obviously other pieces from the Canadiens' side, I'm not sure Montreal would come out ahead in such a trade.