(Ottawa) The Ottawa Senators have a young and exciting team and Vladimir Tarasenko wants to be part of what he sees as an exciting future.
Tarasenko, who recently signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Senators, considered several options but thought Ottawa offered him the best opportunity.
“I like that it’s a young team that is hungry to win,” Tarasenko told media on Tuesday via videoconference. With the change in ownership and talking to the head coach, general manager and players, they really look ready to take it to the next level, and I want to be part of it, at least for a year moreover. »
The athlete also rated Ottawa as a good city for his family. This will be Tarasenko’s first time playing in a Canadian market and he knows it means he will be watched even more by the media and fans.
Tarasenko mentioned that he is not only ready for this challenge, but also looking forward to it.
“We’re excited to be able to play in Canada,” he said. We heard stories and how much people love hockey across the country. »
The departure of Alex DeBrincat in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings left the Senators in need of a forward on their first two lines who could play important minutes. Tarasenko thinks he can do better than that.
Drake Batherson will also want to make his place in this group, which will make things interesting during the season.
The Senators missed the playoffs by six points last season, but the team caught several eyes, including Tarasenko’s.
“It’s really exciting to have competition in front of you,” the forward said. I’m really looking forward to being part of the group and maybe even sharing my experience from the past few years to help the team move to the next level, which is to win more games and make the playoffs. »
Tarasenko scored 18 goals and 32 assists last season with the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. In seven playoff games against the New Jersey Devils, he scored three goals and one assist.
“Vladimir is a natural scorer,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a press release when the team signed the forward last week. He is a dynamic player who can score from anywhere in the offensive zone. He is also underrated as a game maker.
“He’s an established player in the regular season and in the playoffs. We are fortunate to add a player of this caliber to our roster. »
Tarasenko won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2018-19.