(Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
By now, everyone knows that Vladimir Tarasenko inked his first big contract with the St. Louis Blues.
60 million dollars over a period of eight years, breaking down to an average of 7.5 million a year. Along the way, Tarasenko turned down a deal that would send him back to home soil and pay him 11 million USD a year while playing for SKA Moscow.
For Tarasenko, it’s clear that money isn’t everything. For St. Louis, this is extremely good news.
To anyone who has ever dreamed of a parade down Market Street with the Stanley Cup, Tarasenko can relate, apparently. After signing his contract on Tuesday, Tarasenko’s comments were heard round the world.
The idea that Tarasenko turned down SKA Moscow’s extremely generous offer should make it clear, this dude is serious. What’s more, he has proven he has the tool set to help make it a reality.
I’ve seen some mixed reviews from folks about Tarasenko’s contract. Some are concerned they haven’t seen enough to believe he is worth it. Honestly, it’s a reasonable concern. But meet one of the most critical fans of the Blues, and their players, that you will ever meet… Me.
Not that me being critical of the Blues makes me capable of seeing the future, but I tend to find myself questioning most moves the team makes. This move I don’t question.
I love the term and the money given to Tarasenko. I think the risk, in this case, is well worth the reward. Tarasenko seems to be in a perfect state of mind and hell-bent on bringing the cup to St. Louis for the first time in history. We already know what he’s capable of, and in his three short seasons with the Blues, the 23 year old has improved dramatically in each. Most importantly, Tarasenko has turned into a playoff nightmare for other teams.
Perhaps one of the scariest things for other teams to consider is his starvation for improvement. Tarasenko also stated on Tuesday that his grand parents taught him to always do better than before. Which he translates into, he wants to get more and more goals every season. Considering he’s done just that so far, I don’t have a reason to doubt him.
Tarasenko had 37 goals and a total of 73 points last season. He had 6 goals and 7 points in 6 games in the postseason. The thought of him improving over that sends chills down my spine… I get all giggly and what not. I have goosebumps right now just thinking about it. Look at this!!!
(Photo Credit: ALAMY)
Okay, that’s not really me… But seriously. I’m so excited to see what this guy is going to do next season.
Even if Tarasenko only produces what, on average, he did last season, then he’s still worth the money. I just have a slight feeling, at 23, he’s going to show us more. Tarasenko is turning into a leader here in St. Louis. He has the right mentality all of the time. He flourishes even when everyone around him struggles.
Granted, Tarasenko can not do it all by himself, but given a bigger role, and as he develops into the leader of the Blues, he may very well be the spark this team has been missing for years.
Tarasenko could very well lead this team to its first Stanley Cup victory over the next handful of years. I think he’s going to be worth every single penny.
