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2020 NHL Draft Rankings: Top 10 prospects after March

By Simon Vacca

HAMILTON, ON - JANUARY 16: Alexis Lafreniere #11 of Team White and Quinton Byfield #55 of Team Red following the final whistle of the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
HAMILTON, ON - JANUARY 16: Alexis Lafreniere #11 of Team White and Quinton Byfield #55 of Team Red following the final whistle of the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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A general view of the football Gazprom Arena taken during the Channel One Cup of the Euro Hockey Tour ice hockey match between Russia and Finland in Saint Petersburg on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Olga MALTSEVA / AFP) (Photo by OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)
A general view of the football Gazprom Arena taken during the Channel One Cup of the Euro Hockey Tour ice hockey match between Russia and Finland in Saint Petersburg on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Olga MALTSEVA / AFP) (Photo by OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images) /

8. Yaroslav Askarov

DOB: June 16, 2002 (age 17)
Position: G
Catches: R
Team: SKA St. Petersburg — KHL
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 176 pounds

For quite some time, Yaroslav Askarov has been touted as the netminder of the future — a high-end goaltending prospect whose name promises to occupy the talk circuit of the draft world.

Highly athletic in his crease, Askarov has long boasted an ability to make difficult saves against talented opponents. He plays confidently and has a history of head-turning achievement — this in spite of a poor performance at the world juniors.

If there are any doubts about Askarov’s value to the 2020 draft, the words of Cam Robinson ought to calm all echoes of uncertainty. Writing for DobberProspects, Robinson does not shy away from highlighting the 17-year-old’s potential for greatness:

"The best goaltending prospect we’ve seen in a very long time. Hits all the markers — size, composure, puck-tracking, elasticity, and competitive fire. His body of work thus far deserves a top-10 slot. Currently tearing up the VHL this year which is literally unheard of for a U18."

As such, just one major question remains: Which NHL team will aim to capture a potential dynamic-altering goaltender on draft day?

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