Askarov Credits Blackwood for Success with Sharks

SAN JOSE, California – Yaroslav Askarov, the young goalie for the San Jose Sharks, reflects on his journey since joining the team in August 2024. Askarov, originally from Russia, faced challenges adapting to a new environment, but he received crucial support from fellow player Givani Smith, who also came to the Sharks via trade.

“I’m still not speaking (English) really well, but last year was worse,” Askarov shared. “He was like, ‘Hey buddy, if you need to say something, just take your time. I’m going to be waiting. I’m going to be listening to you.’ Not everybody’s like that.”

Smith and a 2027 fifth-round pick were traded to the Avalanche for goalie Alexandar Georgiev and winger Nikolai Kovalenko last December. With Askarov’s consistent performances, he has effectively taken over as the Sharks’ No. 1 goalie, succeeding in a recent matchup against the Avalanche.

On November 1, Askarov stopped 36 of 38 shots in a game against Colorado, while Blackwood, his predecessor, made 20 saves. Askarov said, “He doesn’t have bad days. He always has fun. He’s smiling, jokes around. It helps during the long hockey season.”

Askarov’s success comes after a rocky start to the season for the Sharks, who struggled at 0-4-2 before finding their rhythm. Currently, Askarov boasts a record of 7-1-0 this month and ranks second in the NHL with a .959 save percentage among goalies with at least five starts.

Askarov emphasizes the impact Blackwood had on him. “Especially the first couple of weeks on a team when you’re the new guy who doesn’t know anything. Just imagine being in a new place, and then you’re trying to learn some new things, and (Blackwood) helped me a lot,” he said.

In his time with the Sharks, Blackwood recorded a 16-34-7 record and a .902 save percentage, earning respect for his work ethic during a time of organizational rebuild. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky noted Blackwood’s dedication and influence on Askarov, saying, “(Askarov) learned a lot.”

Meanwhile, Sharks winger Tyler Toffoli missed practice on Tuesday due to illness but played in the game against the Avalanche. He is currently tied for fifth on the team with 12 points in 23 games. If Toffoli had not been able to participate, the Sharks would have adjusted their lineup to accommodate.