“Askarov remains calm and cool in the net and is always ready to make the next stop. He has often played up an age level or two, showing his maturity despite his age. Askarov has the ability to shake off bad goals and does not let them snowball by being prepared for the next scoring chance. He also battles well through traffic and activity around his net. Askarov understands the game. He will keep the play moving when necessary or look to cover up the puck if his defenders need a breather. Askarov has been a leader for his team, a player that the defenders can look to stand tall in times that they need it the most.

His game is reminiscent of @Braden Holtbyof the Washington Capitals, though this is not a talent comparison but just one based on style.” – Ben Kerr, Last Word on Hockey

“I wouldn’t be foolish enough to give assurances, but Askarov passes a lot of the tests I’m looking for in a goalie. He’s 6-foot-3, has tremendous quickness, an elite brain, and a great mentality in net where he combines efficiency and aggressiveness that distinguishes him from other very quick netminders.

Yes, he had a terrible world juniors. And even his last tournament versus his age group didn’t go well. But there were U20 international games over the season where he was one of the best players on the ice as a very young 17-year-old. He almost single-handedly delivered a gold medal to Russia’s U18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky and at the U17 world challenge, and he came within inches of doing so as an underage goalie at the U18 world championships.

His ability to play up versus men at 17, he turns 18 on June 16, to hold his own and even earn some time in the KHL, where he looked the part in a one-game appearance, was unique.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic