Ottawa Senators Building A Playoff Team, Sign Vladimir Tarasenko

by Jordan Long

The Ottawa Senators finished the season with a record of 39-35-8 for a total of 86 points. The Senators missed the postseason for the 6^th straight season. Vladimir Tarasenko wants to end that drought.

Tarasenko agreed to a 1-year, $5 million year contract on July 27, 2023.  It was a surprise Tarasenko was a free agent for so long.  Tarasenko started last year with the Blues.  He scored 10 goals and added 19 assists for 29 points.  On February 9, 2023, Tarasenko was dealt to the Rangers.  The Rangers were hoping he would improve their Stanley Cup odds. 

In a Rangers’ uniform, Tarasenko scored 8 goals and added 13 assists for 21 points.  The Rangers earned a playoff spot.  The Rangers wanted to advance far in the postseason.  They were beaten in the first-round by the New Jersey Devils, dropping game 7, 4-0.

In the playoff run, Tarasenko was disappointing with 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points.  Once the final buzzer sounded, Tarasenko was a free agent.  The Rangers could have agreed to a new deal with him.  His play in the postseason may have cost him a chance to stay with the Rangers. He finally was signed by the Senators.

Tarasenko understands the Senators are a team who are building a playoff team.  He wants to help them win.  According to NHL.com, Tarasenko said, “I like that it’s a young team and is very hungry to win. The guys really seem like they’re ready to make the next step.”

            Tarasenko brings plenty of NHL experience to the Senators.  In the regular season, Tarasenko appeared in 675 games, scoring 270 goals and 304 assists for a total of 574 points.  The postseason is what matters.  Tarasenko played in 97 playoff games adding 41 goals and 19 assists.  Tarasenko was part of the St. Louis Blues team who won the Stanley Cup in 2019.

            The Senators know what Tarasenko brings to the team.  A 1-year deal is fair for both sides.  It gives Tarasenko a chance to show what he can do for the Senators.  Tarasenko wants to help this team win and earn a playoff spot.  If they fail to do so, it will be a disappointing season.