Per San Jose Hockey Now, top San Jose Sharks prospects Yaroslav Askarov and Filip Bystedt are close to returning to San Jose Barracuda practice as full participants.
Both players have been out since Feb. 19, Askarov with a lower-body injury and Bystedt with a lower-body injury. On March 5, Barracuda head coach John McCarthy told Sharks Hockey Digest that Bystedt didn’t have a timeline for a return.
With the Barracuda aiming for the playoffs, getting back their No. 1 goalie and top-six center would be a massive boost to the lineup.
In 43 games this season, Bystedt has nine goals and 17 assists. He’s played in all situations for the ‘Cuda. With leading scorer in the AHL Andrew Poturalski injured, the former first-round pick will be the No. 1 center.
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier told reporters after the trade deadline that Askarov was a couple of weeks away. Reports also revealed that the goalie returned to the ice alone.
After he returns, Askarov could play in the NHL again this season. While it would be nice to see him in the NHL, the priority should be the Cuda playoff run.
The 22-year-old has played 13 games for the San Jose Sharks this season. Askarov has four wins, a .896 save percentage, and a 3.10 goals against average. He was an AHL All-Star this season as well.
In 19 games with the Barracuda, Askarov has a 10-7-2 record, .922 save percentage, and a 2.52 GAA.
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