Rangers land Vladimir Tarasenko in first big splash of NHL trade season
Vladimir Tarasenko had wanted out of St. Louis for a couple of years, and he finally got his wish on Thursday when he was dealt to the New York Rangers, along with defenseman Niko Mikkola, in exchange for Sammy Blais, Hunter Skinner and two draft picks.
Clearly, the Rangers are letting the rest of the NHL know that they intend to go for it this season, but what is the team getting in Tarasenko and how much does it help their chances of winning a Stanley Cup in 2023?
Injuries have limited Tarasenko to just 117 games played over the last four seasons, but prior to that, he was one of the best goal scorers in the NHL for from 2014-15 through 2018-19. In fact, only Alex Ovechkin had more even strength goals during that stretch.
Many wondered if Tarasenko would ever regain form, but he just that in 2021-22, scoring 34 goals and 82 points in 75 games. He has only played 38 games so far this season, but with 111 points in his last 113 games, I’d say Tarasenko is back.