While the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine, the name of goaltender Yaroslav Askarov also surfaced in trade rumors. According to the well-informed Elliotte Friedman, the Canadiens did indeed make an offer for the Russian goaltender to the Nashville Predators. However, the Predators ultimately sent the netminder to the San Jose Sharks. Three elements were involved from the Canadiens' side, including center Owen Beck, and possibly Filip Mesar as well. <q>«There was a lot of interest in Yaroslav Askarov: Colorado, Montreal, New Jersey, Utah, and of course, San Jose, who got him. (Probably more.)»</q> - Elliotte Friedman This is intriguing, but some also believe it might signal a lack of confidence in Quebec-born goaltender Samuel Montembeault. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/MOBeaudoin1/status/1827800416320692731'> </a></blockquote></div> Source: Habs&LNH <a href='https://www.habsetlnh.com/equipe-lnh/canadiens-de-montreal/elliotte-friedman-confirme-les-negociations-dechange-entre-kent-hughes-et-les-predators-de-nashville-pour-le-gardien-yaroslav-askarov?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8s15leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcPt1I_TXGXNYMAnofAlp_6zONDlEgSukl0jNIoKouWaK2hM9GQrPe_hmA_aem_wzaMg-vD1C0NtT2XuYSOAw' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Elliotte Friedman confirme les négociations d'échange entre Kent Hughes et les Predators de Nashville</a>
