And yet it was decided! After a month of deliberation, Tarasenko chose a new club in the NHL
Jul 28, 2023 09:00 UTC Audio Version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The captain of the legendary 2011 youth team has agreed to a one-year contract to hit the jackpot next summer.
One of the most in-demand free agents this summer has finally decided his future, if only the closest. Vladimir Tarasenko signed a contract with Ottawa for one year. During this time, the Russian will earn $5 million.
Last season, the team from the Canadian capital was ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference table and missed the playoffs for the sixth time in a row, which seems like a major reason to be surprised by Tarasenko’s decision. However, unlike many other situations, this is precisely the case when we have every right to say: “Not everything is so simple.”
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Lately, the Senators have been slowly but steadily gaining strength. They missed out on the playoffs in the first place because of temporary goalie issues, and the rest of the lines look stylish, young, and outrageous. Vladimir joins Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle and Claude Giroud, three forwards who scored 79+ points and 35+ goals last season. Behind them are several more progressive attackers and a fully equipped defense, led by elite defender Tom Chabot.
At the same time, following the departure of Alex Debrinkat, Ottawa was really interested in a top-six winger, which compares favorably with the Rangers, who took Tarasenko without really thinking about what to do with him.
Ottawa’s prospects are a medical fact, although this team’s significant progress is just one option for how it will play out tomorrow. Nothing is guaranteed for the Senators, and the probability of a strong rise to the top of the NHL is measured more in fractions of a percentage. But for Tarasenko this is quite a suitable club. The 32-year-old striker is getting good partners who increase his chances of improving his personal stats and showing the league that health problems are behind him.
Apparently, Tarasenko’s plan is precisely this. His main task is to rise to the level of his old self and in a year, when the salary cap will grow by a more significant amount, re-enter the market and find the last generous and medium-term contract in his career.
However, Vladimir’s gamble is as justified as it is risky. Until number 91 convinced the clubs of his own strength, that’s why they didn’t line up behind him with bags full of dollars. If the Russian doesn’t work out in Ottawa, he won’t have another chance to force himself to hunt.
