Russell’s Roundup: Askarov Dealt; Wahlstrom Next?

The Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks hooked up to complete a race, sending Yaroslav Askarov to San Jose to complete what’s been a crazy week of hockey news. It’s been a crazy August for hockey, with the GMs seemingly forgetting to take long vacations this year. We look at whether the Islanders can jump in on the fun next. There’s more fallout from the Rutger McGroarty trade to get to, as well.

It’s been a fun summer, eh? Constant action without a lot of dead weeks. Strangely, July was slower in terms of movement after the frenzy on July 1, and there was much more action spread out in August. Preseason hockey is less than a month away, and training camp is even closer than that. Buckle up, everyone. It’s going to ramp up from here.

New York Islanders:

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders added new blood in Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov this summer. While some additions were expected, most expected Oliver Wahlstrom to be sent packing. He wound up signing a new deal and, as of today, will report to the Islanders on the first day of training camp. Could we still see the Islanders join in on the August fun and send Wahlstrom out?

NYIHN: Anthony Duclair posted a photo of his haircut on Instagram earlier this week. That sparked a debate online about Lou Lamoriello’s rules and whether they’re still effective or worth it. I discussed both sides here.

Sportsnet: The AHL announced that it is introducing mandatory cut-resistant neck guards for all players and officials. This is a necessary step forward in prioritizing player health, especially after the tragedy involving Adam Johnson last year. Here’s the full story on how it’ll impact Bridgeport and the rest of the AHL.

NHL Trades, News, & National Hockey Now:

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks struck for their biggest deal of the summer. They acquired former first-round pick Yaroslav Askarov, one of, if not the top goalie prospect in the NHL. It came with a high cost. Here’s the instant breaking story.

More SJHN: For a rebuilding team with very little future in the net, this trade makes all the sense in the world for the Sharks. They can build around Askarov in the net. Here are four reasons why SJHN loves the deal for the Sharks.

Nashville Hockey Now: Boy, did Barry Trotz make a deal here. He’s had himself one heck of a summer. Signing Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei. Signed Saros to a very reasonable deal. Now? He took a disgruntled goalie and got a top prospect, an unprotected first-round pick, and a depth goaltender in Magnus Chrona. How’s that for a magic act? After having one of the most aggressive summers, Nashville now holds THREE first-round picks and two in the second round. Here’s the full story.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: After a summer full of speculation and deductive reasoning as to why McGroarty refused to lace ’em up for Winnipeg, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff pushed back against the publicly known reason and told the world the real reason why he wouldn’t sign in Winnipeg.

NJ Hockey Now: The summer of goaltending continued in New Jersey, as Elliotte Friedman revealed the Devils pushed hard to try and acquire the young Askarov but lost out to the Sharks. Here’s James Nichols with more.