By Andrew Allsman| Posted: June 2nd, 2012| Contact |
Updated: Report that Tarasenko has signed a contract with SKA is false.
The Blues and general manager Doug Armstrong released a statement on Monday that the recent reports of Tarasenko signing a contract to play in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League next season are "inaccurate".
"There have been inaccurate reports stating that Vladimir Tarasenko has signed a contract to play hockey in Russia. I have confirmed with the player and his agent that these reports are 100% false and Vladimir is committed to join our organization for the upcoming season. We will have no further comment on this matter."
Alexei Dementiev, Tarasenko's Russian-based agent, commented on the situation via Twitter "Vlad Tarasenko didn't sign any agreements in KHL. As well as he is under 22 years old the situation is a technical to keep his rights in KHL for team SKA. It doesn't limit him to sign a deal with St. Louis Blues."
The 20-year old winger was the Blues' second pick in the first round of the 2010 draft. He is listed on Hockeysfuture.com as the world's top prospect outside of the NHL.
The 6-foot 202 pound forward cannot officially sign his NHL contract until July 1, but it is clear his intent is to play in the NHL, and the reports that say otherwise are completely false.
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Original Story
The Blues and general manager Doug Armstrong announced on Saturday that 20-year old, Russian forward, Vladimir Tarasenko has decided to come to North America and join the Blues.
Tarasenko has agreed to a contract in principle, and will officially sign it on July 1.
Tarasenko opted to stay in Russia last season instead of
joining the Blues, forcing fans to wonder if he, like many other Russian
draftees, would remain in his country.
Tarasenko’s most recent season in Russia was adventurous to
say the least as his dad was fired, he was traded, and he failed to make the
Russian national team. One has to
wonder if all of this made a dramatic impact in his decision to come to the
NHL.
In his 2011-12 KHL season, Tarasenko netted 23 goals and
registered 24 assists (47 points) in 54 games played. While the KHL may not be as loaded with
talent as the NHL, it is still a very good league filled with many great
players and prospects, so Tarasenko’s numbers were earned and were not easy to
come by which shows that he is NHL ready.
“Vladi is coming off his best season as a professional and we
are excited that he has decided to join our organization,” said
Armstrong. “He has shown significant growth in his years in the KHL and
we look forward to him taking his game to the next level as a St. Louis Blue.”
The 6’0, 202-pound forward has spent the past four seasons in
the KHL accumulating 100 points including 52 goals and 48 assists in 176 games.