Sharks Rotated Goalies In Early Season Stretch

San Jose utilized Yaroslav Askarov for five of the first six games of the season.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a hockey goalie making a glove save, rendered in teal and white team colors. — The San Jose Sharks are rotating goalies Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic to manage workload and foster development early in the 2026-27 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the San Jose Sharks prioritize playing their young goaltender over an experienced veteran?

The San Jose Sharks have leaned on Yaroslav Askarov to start five of the team's first six games to open the 2026-27 season. This rotation strategy aims to prioritize Askarov's development while balancing the schedule.

Why it matters

The team is managing its goaltending workload to accommodate upcoming back-to-back games while fostering Askarov's growth into a primary starter. Meanwhile, veteran Alex Nedeljkovic provides support and is expected to see action during the team's road trip.

In his first four starts this season, Askarov recorded a 2-2-0 record with a goals saved above expected per 60 mark of -0.074. Alex Nedeljkovic previously recorded 24 saves on 26 shots in a 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues.

The players

Yaroslav Askarov

He is a goaltender for the San Jose Sharks who is currently being developed into a number one starter.

Alex Nedeljkovic

He is an experienced goaltender who signed a $6 million contract extension with the Sharks in March 2026.

San Jose Sharks

They are a professional NHL hockey team based in San Jose that is currently navigating an early-season goaltending rotation.

The details

The Sharks are actively rotating their netminders to maintain competitive readiness through a demanding early schedule. Alex Nedeljkovic, acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025, remains a key part of this tandem and is slated for appearances on the upcoming road schedule.

July 1, 2025: The San Jose Sharks acquired Alex Nedeljkovic from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
March 2026: The San Jose Sharks signed Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract extension.
September 24, 2026: Alex Nedeljkovic recorded 20 saves during a preseason contest.
October 2026: Yaroslav Askarov started five of the first six games for the Sharks.
October 13, 2026: Yaroslav Askarov made his fifth start in a game against the Boston Bruins.

Season Trajectory

This rotation strategy helps the Sharks manage a physically demanding schedule while developing young talent for future playoff pushes. By balancing these reps, the team aims to keep its goaltending tandem fresh throughout the long NHL season.

Fantasy owners should anticipate Alex Nedeljkovic receiving starts on the team's upcoming road trip to Nashville, Toronto, and Montreal. The rotation patterns directly affect roster management for the remainder of the early-season schedule.

The takeaway

Maintaining a two-goalie rotation provides the Sharks with necessary tactical flexibility during busy road stretches. Fans should watch for consistent goalie changes when the team faces consecutive game dates on the road.