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Vladimir Tarasenko: What To Expect This Year

By William McCaffrey |

Let’s go back to 2010. Gary Bettman is at the podium during the NHL Draft announcing a trade between the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues. “The Ottawa Senators trade the 16th overall pick to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for David Rundblad”. A surprising move after the Blues just drafted Jayden Schwartz at the 14th position. Up steps the St. Louis brass and announce the drafting of Vladimir Tarasenko.

Who? Tarasenko? I had never heard of this kid, except for his contributions to help Russia place 2nd at the U18 IIHF World Hockey Championships and 6th at the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships.  After being drafted, Tarasenko continued to play in the KHL for Novosibirsk Sibir but was traded to St. Petersburg SKA during the 2011-12 season. That year Vladimir managed to put up  47 points in 54 games. He then followed up the next season posting 32 points in 31 games.

As a fan of the Ottawa Senators, it was frustrating to read about the player my organization traded away. Seeing the numbers he was putting up in the KHL, I could not help but wish he would be a flop in the NHL. I could not have been more wrong.

In Tarasenko’s first season with the Blues, he didn’t light it up like a lot of top end prospects, instead, Vladimir posted a more consistent season putting up 19 points in 38 games. It seemed as though my wish was coming true.

During the 2013-14 season, the Blues decided to move Tarasenko up on a line with Jayden Schwartz. The two rookies did not disappoint. Chemistry between the two draftmates looked as if it was meant to be. Utilizing their dynamic skill sets, Schwartz racked up 56 points in 80 games while Tarasenko had a solid 2nd year mustering up 43 points in 64 games.

Season two of any rookie career is considered to be the “slump” year. Not all rookies go through the “2nd year slump”, however, those players tend be the ones who turn out to be the Superstars.

Last season, Tarasenko showed the world his true colors. Vladimir started off on the right foot, but it wasn’t until he humiliated the Rangers, that fans across the league started tuning into his game regularly. Tarasenko started producing highlight after highlight, multi-point game after multi-point game. Analysts started calling him the best player in the world at that point.

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Near end of February, Tarasenko started to cool off. His projected 94 points was not going to be achieved as he was forced out due to injury for a few games in March. As the regular season wrapped up, the “Human Highlight Reel” finished up with 73 points in 77 games.

After an early first round exit at the hands of the Wild, the Blues next order of business was to get their star forward signed. Three seasons, each one better than the previous and one of the worlds best status, all was in Validimir’s corner heading into the negotiations. At the end of the negotiations, Tarasenko managed to land a 8 year $60 million contract extension.

So what is next for Vladimir? Fans have seen too many times players receiving a huge contract and then not living up to the expectations. In my opinion, move aside Crosby, Great 8.. seasons ago! and McDavid who?..Tarasenko is the real deal and will not only be in the HHOF, but finish up among the elites like Jagr, Sakic, Yzerman. Blues fans and NHL fans will be in for another treat this season. Should be fun to watch.

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