Predators Prospects Yaroslav Askarov, Tommy Novak Named To 2023 AHL All-Star Classic

Yaroslav Askarov & Tommy Novak. Photo: Courtesy of the Milwaukee Admirals

The American Hockey League (AHL) announced that goaltender Yaroslav Askarov and center Tommy Novak from the Predators affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals have been selected to play in the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic on Feb. 5 and 6 in Laval, QC.

Currently on recall with the Predators, Novak is averaging over a point per game with the Admirals this season, posting 26 points on 11 goals and 15 assists while skating in 25 games. He is currently second on the team in scoring, even though he has missed eight games because of time spent in Nashville, and he has already tied his career high for goals in a season, which was set in 60 games back in 2019-20.

Novak is also tied for the Ads team lead with eight power-play points (4 goals, 4 assists) and also paces the club with seven multi-point efforts, including four in his final seven games before being recalled by the Preds for the second time this season on Dec. 19. While with the Predators, Novak has four goals and four assists and a +2 rating while skating in 10 games.

Earlier this season, the fourth-year pro became just the 24th player in Admirals AHL history to reach the 100-point plateau. He currently sits with 103 points on 29 goals and 74 assists while skating in 130 games for his home state team.

Askarov was Nashville’s first-round choice, 11th overall, and the first goalie selected in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old native of Omsk, Russia signed an entry-level contract with the Predators last May after spending three seasons with SKA St. Petersburg.

Steven Boero