San Jose Sharks goalie Vitek Vanecek will serve as Alexandar Georgiev’s backup for the second time in as many nights due to trade-related reasons.
Vanecek being held out for trade purposes, Georgiev starts
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 4, 2025
NHL teams often healthy scratch a skater to avoid injury during trade season, but with the Sharks across the nation visiting the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, the Sharks still need a backup.
Top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov has been dealing with a lower-body injury but has returned to the ice, according to San Jose Hockey Now. Askarov has been the Sharks main goaltending recall this season.
San Jose Barracuda GM Joe Will told SJHN that Askarov has returned to the ice but likely won’t be ready to join the team in Colorado for Thursday’s game.
In 13 games in the NHL this season, Askarov has four wins, a .896 save percentage, and a 3.10 GAA. Recalling a goalie will only be needed if Vanecek is dealt before Thursday’s game.
Georgi Romanov, Aaron Dell, and Gabriel Carrier are the other goalies in the AHL for the Sharks.
The Sharks’ outward announcement that Vanecek won’t play due to trade reasons likely means GM Mike Grier is close to making a deal.
It is unclear which NHL team will acquire the pending UFA netminder, but some options could include the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and even the Pittsburgh Penguins.
I actually have heard the #Pens are considering bringing in a UFA-to-be goaltender @ the deadline. Dont have any info 2 support that #Vanecek, specifically, is that guy, but not sure I want PGH 2b the landing spot 4 him
— PensInsider (@ThePensInsider) March 4, 2025
At least, not unless Jarry goes back the other way 👀 https://t.co/G27qr3Ha4z
Top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that there didn’t seem to be much interest in either of the San Jose Sharks netminders. A team could be involved in a bigger deal if Vanecek were not the centerpiece.
REPORT: Friedman Speculates Little Trade Interest In Sharks Goalies
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