Askarov turned aside 22 of 23 shots in regulation in a 2-1 shootout loss to Vegas in Tuesday's preseason tilt.
Askarov struggled in 2025-26, finishing the regular season with a 21-20-4 record, 3.63 GAA and .883 save percentage in 47 outings with San Jose. However, he's still just 24 years old and is a highly regarded netminder, so it wouldn't be shocking to see him make strides in 2026-27. It helps that San Jose upgraded its defense over the summer by adding Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba.