Nothing in Askarov's game is " troubling ". He's a 20 year old that has played fewer games than alot of kids in juniors. For reference Carey Price had played roughly 200 more games in his career at this same age.
He has some things to work on, but almost every goalie at that age does. That's why they all spend multiple years in the minors unless their organization is stupid.
Yep. Covid, then the KHL organizations jerking him around the leagues. He may take an extra season to mature. Most of the other 1st round pick goalies (other than MAF), started backup duty in their D+2 season. Askarov probably starts in his D+4 due to almost 2 years of lost development. Still at the age of 20, he was at the top of the AHL in starts, had a respectable sv%, and led the way for his age group
Edit: another note
2020-2022 Askarov played 49 games and 10 playoff games across 6 different organizations/leagues (MHL, VHL, KHL, EHT, WJC U20, and another International Tournament). Im not sure how much instruction or goalie coaching he's gotten over this period but i wouldnt think it has been a ton.
2022-2023 Askarov played 48 games and 12 playoff games for 1 team. More total games in a single AHL season as he has played over 2 years overseas. Heavy workload increase for him. He is in a much better environment now to actually better his play. I dont think he has done bad at all but some structure here should go a long way.