Askarov would be a nice get, but I don't think the Devils have what Nashville would want in return. Maybe Nashville could use a RHD but I don't know if Seamus Casey would be the type of D they'd be looking for since they have a similar-ish guy in Ryan Ufko. But after struggling with goaltending for several years, I think New Jersey wants to go with some proven vets with Markstrom/Allen this season. If the Askarov situation lingers, it might make more sense for us next offseason.
Nashville is up against the cap and had to dump Cody Glass to carve out some room to sign their remaining two RFA forwards. So I don't know if they could fit in an NHL piece. But they might get some cap relief depending on how this unexpected Ryan Johansen contract termination goes down. Even though Askarov has said he won't report to the AHL for Nashville, I'm not sure if that means he's unwilling to report to the AHL period. This might just be his way to force himself into a situation where he wouldn't have to be behind somebody like Juuse Saros for several years.
Trotz tried to dangle Askarov+ to get into the top 4 at the 2023 Draft to land a blue chip center prospect. If they traded Askarov, I feel like they'd still be targeting a center. Unfortunately New Jersey is lacking in that department. If I had to bet, I still feel like San Jose would make for a good trade partner. Blackwood/Vanecek both are on expiring deals and they don't have a goalie prospect kicking down the door. With Celebrini/Smith signed, San Jose had a little bit of excess in center prospects with Filip Bystedt (#70 THN Future Watch), David Edstrom (#69 THN Future Watch), and Cam Lund.
If you were Nashville, would you settle on Askarov for Vegas' 1st rounder 2025 + one of Bystedt/Edstrom/Lund? Carolina is reportedly interested, but most of their prospects are wingers which might not fit for Nashville. A few years back, Florida gave Spencer Knight a pretty big contract to avoid any offer sheet drama. If Nashville plays hardball with Askarov, he'd probably follow Philip Broberg's lead. 2025 1st+B tier prospect seems a little light, but the risk would be losing Askarov for a 2026 2nd if Nashville waits.