New Jersey Devils: Possible Picks With 10th Overall In NHL Draft

Yaroslav Askarov

New Jersey Devils fans social media has been abuzz about Yaroslav Askarov. There are multiple mock drafts that have the Devils taking the Russian goalie here. Much like Spencer Knight last year, Askarov is expected to be a really good goalie, and the only one worth taking in the 1st round.

Many Devils fans don’t want to use a top-ten pick on a goalie when there’s going to be so much talent available there. Well, there’s good reason why Askarov is being placed where he is. Take a look at his performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The international tournament has been around since the early 90s, and Askarov played better than any goalie ever.

His great performance continued this season, as he dominated the KHL minor league system. He was able to get a call up to SKA St. Petersburg, but obviously they are one of the best teams in the second most popular league in the world. There’s not a ton of room there for a teenager.

Askarov wears his glove on his right hand, which in of itself is something that might throw opposing skaters off. It helps that he has elite reflexes. His glove hand is unmatched, and it’s near impossible to beat him high.

We understand the issues many have with taking a goalie in the top ten. We haven’t seen it happen since Carey Price in 2005. However, this isn’t just the top goalie prospect in this year’s draft, this is the top goalie prospect in a long time. For the Devils to get that while also already getting a really good prospect with the 6th pick, it will be a win in the long run.