Sharks Stick with Askarov Despite Numbers Favoring Nedeljkovic

Sharks coach says they want to keep developing young goalie Askarov despite better stats for backup Nedeljkovic.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:20pm

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The San Jose Sharks will start rookie goaltender Yaroslav Askarov on Wednesday against the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks, even though the numbers suggest backup Alex Nedeljkovic may give them a better chance to win. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky says they are focused on developing Askarov, their goalie of the future, despite his slightly worse stats when playing on shorter rest.

Why it matters

The Sharks are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, so every game is crucial. The decision to start the younger, less experienced Askarov over the statistically hotter Nedeljkovic could have a big impact on their postseason hopes.

The details

Askarov, in his first full NHL season, is 20-17-3 with an .886 save percentage in 42 games. His numbers are slightly better when he has two days of rest between games, going 6-5-0 with a .894 save percentage in those situations. Nedeljkovic, on the other hand, has a .923 save percentage in seven games this season when he's had three days between starts. The Sharks are opting to keep developing Askarov, their goalie of the future, despite the numbers suggesting Nedeljkovic may give them the best chance to win on Wednesday.

  • Askarov last started on Monday, making 22 saves in a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues.
  • Nedeljkovic last started on Saturday, making 22 saves in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The players

Yaroslav Askarov

The Sharks' rookie goaltender in his first full NHL season, with a 20-17-3 record and .886 save percentage in 42 games.

Alex Nedeljkovic

The Sharks' backup goaltender, who has a .923 save percentage in seven games this season when he's had three days between starts.

Ryan Warsofsky

The Sharks' head coach, who says they are focused on developing Askarov as their goalie of the future.

Cutter Gauthier

The Anaheim Ducks' leading scorer with 38 goals and 65 points, who is expected to miss some time with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to get (Askarov) back in there. He needs to play in these situations. It's a big game, playoff-like game, and let's see how he can handle it.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Sharks Head Coach

“In Monday's game, Askarov 'made some saves at some important times. ... I'm sure there's some he probably wants back. The last one (a third-period power-play goal by Cam Fowler), he does get a little screen there. So it's a tough one. You've got to battle through that screen. But just like any young player, he's developing.'”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Sharks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sharks will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, with Nedeljkovic expected to start that game.

The takeaway

The Sharks are prioritizing the development of their young goaltender Askarov over the short-term statistical advantages of playing the more experienced Nedeljkovic, as they try to balance their playoff push with building for the future in net.