SJHN Daily: Grier on Askarov’s Cellys, Argument for Will Smith To Go to AHL

Who told Yaroslav Askarov to tone down his celebrations?

The top San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect is well known for his flamboyant “cellys”, the most famous being his bench press after a shootout win with the Milwaukee Admirals two seasons ago.

Preds prospect Yaroslav Askarov celebrates a 45-save shootout win with a classic net bench press pic.twitter.com/SaofP4pUm2

— Jason Gold (@JayGold85) February 11, 2023

After a shutout in his San Jose Barracuda debut, Askarov took the goal off its pegs and “closed the net.” But a few days later, after a shutout win in the team’s home opener, the netminder hit a more reserved celebration per the request of someone that Yaroslav Askarov did not disclose.

Askarov’s shutout celly in his home debut pic.twitter.com/r2CKV8TFiT

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 20, 2024

When asked on Monday, GM Mike Grier downplayed that message.

“I never played with a goalie who went down to a knee and pumped his fist after a game,” Grier joked. “That’s not good, I guess? That’s not enough?”

But, the GM never said who directly told Askarov to rein in his cellys.

“He’s got a personality, and he enjoys the game,” Grier said. “[He’s] having fun, so it’s all good.

And that he is! The Barracuda are 5-1-0-0, after sweeping the Henderson Silver Knights this week. Askarov is 4-0-0 with a .954 Save %.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

On the latest SJHN Podcast, Keegan and Sheng react to Mike Grier’s latest press conference. What is Grier’s development plan for the top San Jose Sharks youngsters? How has Will Smith looked early this season? What do Keegan and Sheng think of the San Jose Barracuda’s top youngsters?

Nico Sturm is “much more confident” in this year’s team than previous seasons.

What does Luca Cagnoni need to improve defensively to become an NHL regular?

Thomas Bordeleau and Shakir Mukhamadullin are heading to the Barracuda.

Mike Grier wants the Quentin Musty-Sudbury impasse to end.

Key points about Macklin Celebrini & Will Smith's development plans:

🦈Off-days aren't days off, they're gym & skill development days
🦈Plan is for both to play full NHL schedule in 2nd half
🦈Smith isn't going to AHL

More from #SJSharks GM Mike Grier: https://t.co/awocOkXtK9

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 22, 2024

James Hagens, anyone? Let’s take a look at top 2025 Draft prospects, as the Sharks start the season winless through 8.

Henry Thrun got into his first fight on Sunday, says he’s been wanting to get into a fight all season.

Ryan Warsofsky was not happy with his top line after the Sharks’ 3-2 loss at the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The future is bright for the @SanJoseSharks 🌟 #NHL25 pic.twitter.com/csYDvjZ6uF

— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) October 24, 2024

But the present?

If the #SJSharks don't win Saturday at Vegas, they will become first team in NHL history to go winless in the first 9 games of back-to-back seasons https://t.co/0QEFJKrsFl

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 25, 2024

Kyle Burroughs is supporting a former San Jose teammate Ty Emberson from a distance.

Fun tidbit heading into tonight:@LAKings fwd Andre Lee will be facing his cousin @SanJoseSharks fwd Fabian Zetterlund for the first time.

The duo — who once played together very briefly on a junior team in Sweden – have come a long way from this photo taken back in the day… pic.twitter.com/ACwi4POEpp

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 24, 2024

Which new Sharks skater is having a rebound season?

Here’s a look at the play that caused Halttunen’s injury. #sjbarracuda https://t.co/QaIJ7T9W4v pic.twitter.com/UIExdtDBSD

— TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) October 25, 2024

David St. Louis breaks down two Will Smith games and makes the argument that Smith should go to the AHL:

AROUND THE NHL…

Connor McDavid thinks Sidney Crosby should captain Team Canada.

Anthony Duclair suffers a long-term injury.

The NHL is seeing a recent decline in ratings.

Rivalry series skates into @TechCUArena on Nov 6

U.S. vs Canadian women's national hockey teams

Individual tickets on sale now OR
Sharks x Rivalry Series Bundle which includes tickets to #SJSharks v Canucks on Nov 2 and meet-n-greet w/Team USA playershttps://t.co/7QawKntn0j

— Jonathan Becher (@jbecher) October 21, 2024

How will Jonathan Drouin‘s return change the Colorado Avalanche’s lineup?

Alexis Lafreniere signs a huge extension. So does Shea Theodore.

Matvei Michkov cements himself with Eric Lindros in Philadelphia Flyers history.

The Boston Bruins look for more offensive success.

Scott Laughton uses his platform to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and ambassador for the You Can Play Project.

Laughton and the @NHLFlyers face Washington on @NHL_On_TNT (truTV) and @SportsonMax at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight. pic.twitter.com/STdTH9ia5d

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 23, 2024

The Florida Panthers embark on their longest road trip of the season.

There is an expansion to the Tampa Bay Lightning ownership group.

New at @SBJ: @TBLightning owner Jeff Vinik is paying out about $20 million in bonuses to the organization's more than 300 employees following his sale of a majority stake in the club. Each full-time employee will receive $50,000-$66,000. https://t.co/WRrOjs2BA0 pic.twitter.com/KDWhwja9JB

— Alex M. Silverman🏒⚽️ (@AlexMSilverman) October 25, 2024