Vladimir Tarasenko has been down this road before, hearing his name in trade rumors ahead of the NHL deadline. So, how’s the veteran Ottawa Senators forward dealing with it this time around?
“I think the biggest part is don’t read the experts online, you know,” Tarasenko told reporters Monday. “I don’t go online. I don’t read hockey news. There’s many people, there’s many opinions. I know a lot of guys like to read it and they take it very [personally], but I think you have to be focused on yourself mostly and do whatever you can do in your situation, and the rest will take care [of itself].”
Tarasenko was traded to the New York Rangers by the St. Louis Blues ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. That was a good experience for the 32-year-old, who had 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 31 games after the trade and wanted to re-sign with the Rangers in the offseason.
The Rangers didn’t have the salary cap room to bring Tarasenko back, so he signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Senators. In 46 games this season, the 2019 Stanley Cup winner has 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists).
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Vladimir Tarasenko would consider re-signing with Senators
Now Tarasenko is once again a hot commodity on the trade market. But that doesn’t mean he’d rule out re-signing with Ottawa.
“When the talks start, of course we’re gonna look at all options,” Tarasenko said.
But until then?
“Like I said, you guys like to find something, but there is nothing,” Tarasenko said with a laugh. “There’s nothing I can give you now. I just focus on the game [Tuesday].”
The Senators (21-25-2) have won three in a row, including 5-3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. That game ended with some controversy. Ottawa’s Ridley Greig finished Toronto off with an empty-net goal that he scored off a full windup slap shot. Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly took exception and attacked Greig with a cross check long after the play was over.
Rielly is facing a suspension and has a hearing with NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday.