Preds Prospect Report: Askarov Backstops Streaking Ads, Sward Named Wenatchee Captain & More

As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, there are several Nashville Predators prospect storylines worth following, including an eight-game winning streak for the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, a new captaincy announcement in the WHL.

Click here to view this week’s Preds prospect report and read below for more on Nashville’s developing talent around the world.

AHL 

The Admirals have been red hot lately, grabbing wins in eight straight and riding the momentum to a first place position in the Western Conference.

Of course, goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has been a crucial piece of the Ads’ success, earning wins in all seven of his last starts, a stretch that included three shutouts and a pair of back-to-back victories.

In his sophomore season with Milwaukee, Askarov is third among qualified AHL netminders in goals-against average (2.16), fourth in save percentage (.922), tied for third in shutouts (3) and tied for fifth in wins (14).

ECHL

Though Predators defensive prospect Luke Prokop’s seven-game point streak came to a close on Wednesday, the blueliner managed to record an impressive nine assists during that stretch.

In his first full-length North American professional campaign, Prokop leads all Atlanta Gladiators defensemen in assists (15), points (18) and shots (79).

CHL 

On Friday, 2022 fifth-round pick Graham Sward was named captain of the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild in the midst of a stellar season.

Sward leads all WHL blueliners in assists (45) and points (56) and is tied for 17th among all WHL skaters in points. Forty-three games into the 2023-24 season, Sward has passed his Western League career highs in goals, assists and points that were initially set in 2021-22.

The blueliner additionally posted a six-game point streak from Dec. 28-Jan. 16 (4g-5a).

NCAA 

In Troy, New York, 2023 fifth-round pick Sutter Muzzatti has been finding consistent production. 

In his second collegiate season with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Preds prospect has recorded 19 points (6g-13a) in 23 games, seven of which (1g-6a) came in his last four.

Muzzatti leads the Engineers in points and assists and is second in goals. 

Europe

In Switzerland’s National League, forward prospect Simon Knak is currently on a three-game goal and point streak (3g). 

Nashville’s only Swiss prospect has recorded 12 points (5g-7a) and a +7 rating in 30 games.