Observations:

April 2013 – Since flying out of the gate in his NHL career, Tarasenko has slowed down more recently. A concussion on an unfortunate hit did disrupt his season, but he started struggling before then. In a five game stretch in early February, he posted a minus-8 rating. Since returning from the concussion his minutes have decreased moderately. Next season, it would be a good bet that he is a leader in the St. Louis offensive attack if he can remain healthy.  Jason Banks

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January 2013 – After a long awaited arrival to North American hockey, Vladimir Tarasenko made his NHL debut for the St. Louis Blues and impressed. Tarasenko showed no signs of hesitation in his game and he had one of the most electrifying debuts by a European rookie in recent memory. Tarasenko, 21, is an elite offensive prospect that should be coveted in all fantasy formats. He scored a pair of goals in his first NHL game and should provide the Blues with the elite scoring option the team has been lacking for years. You are looking at the one of the NHL’s future star forwards. Brendan Ross

July 2012 – Tarasenko has officially signed his three year entry level with St. Louis and has guaranteed to Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong, he will come over to join the Blues. Tarasenko is a top level talent, with great supporting cast and instantly becomes a top six forward for the Blues. Tarasenko will go early in drafts if not taken already. He is an early Calder trophy candidate. Jason Banks

April, 2012- Vladimir Tarasenko is a rare talent at the age of 20. In the 2011-2012 KHL season, he posted 47 points in 44 games playing most of the year for Sibir Novosibirsk and finishing with SKA St. Petersburg. He has dominated his peers at two U-20 WJC tournaments with 16 points in 13 games and was a major part of Russia’s gold medal finish in 2011. His stats demonstrate Tarasenko’s knack for both finishing and being a playmaker. He is a very smart player on the ice both on and off of the puck. He hustles and knows how to take hits to make plays. In terms of fantasy, Tarasenko seems poised to make the jump right into the NHL since his contract in the KHL expires at the end of 2011-2012 season. The fact that he has dominated both grown men and his peers along with the great balance of superb team and individual play puts Tarasenko among the most valuable fantasy prospects.

Fantasy Outlook: A

Great upside and results so far in his career. On the edge of becoming the high-end scorer that has been expected of him.

Footage:

A great goal by Tarasenko vs Severstal 10/14/11

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Tarasenko’s game-tying goal in the 2011 U20 WJC Finals against Canada:

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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