Yaroslav Askarov Shines in Debut - NHL 24 Hartford Whalers Expansion Franchise (Y3|G66) - Ep. 44

Helllooo everybody and come along for the ride as I resurrect the Hartford Whalers as an expansion team on NHL 24.
In this episode, newly acquired goaltender Yaroslav Askarov makes his Hartford Whalers debut following the deal at the trade deadline. After signing Juuse Saros long-term, the Nashville Predators were searching for a suitor in a trade for Askarov. The Whalers sent a 2027 2nd round pick, along with Marcus Foligno as Nashville was searching for a gritty enforcer to better equip their upcoming playoff run. Petr Mrazek was also thrown into the deal as the Preds needed a trustworthy backup.
Now it's the start of a new era in Hartford as Askarov figures to be the goaltender of the future (assuming we can sign him to a multi-year deal). Hartford has lacked stability at netminder throughout their rebirth as an expansion team, but now it looks like they're set up well.
The Whalers are just three points out of a playoff spot with less than 20 games remaining in this Year 3 season. Askarov will try to turn the tide and lead the Whalers to a late-season playoff surge. It all starts in his debut from the XL Center against the Detroit Red Wings.
In the next episode, we'll finish the Year 3 regular season by simming the last dozen games as we work into the playoffs. The Hartford Whalers still have a sliver of hope for a playoff spot, but they're going to need to put together strong play down the stretch if they want to achieve back-to-back playoff berths.
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