Report: Tarasenko To Take Time With NHL / KHL Decision

As reported by Russian hockey guru and Yahoo Puck Daddy contributor Dmitry Chesnokov, St. Louis Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko will be taking some time to decide between the KHL and NHL for the 2011-12 season.

#STLBlues prospect Tarasenko tells Sibir’s official website he will take a vacation and will then decide where he will play next year

BNZ’s Analysis
The eventual arrival of the highly skilled and determined winger in St. Louis is a high priority not only in the fan’s minds, but also on the organization’s off season to do list. A cap floor franchise like the Blues needs their highly selected (and rated) draft picks to fulfill as much of their promise as possible, as fast as possible. They just don’t have the resources (payroll budget) to go to market and cover gaps with experienced filler. Those prospects become the filler to keep costs low to address the more critical personnel needs.

Tarasenko fits that bill. He’s cheap (coming over on an ELC) and proven (as much as a 19 year old can be). Competing against men of at or very near to NHL quality in the KHL for the last three years and dominating his peers at the WJC shows he is ready today.

The brain trust knows that the decision is always up to the player, but they will make every effort to make the invitation to North America as enticing as possible.

That said, there is no surprise that Tarasenko will take some time to determine the best course of action for his career. Leaving home at age 19 for a new life half a world away in a night and day difference culture is a decision worth extensive deliberation. Especially if he has the expectation of being slated for the Peoria Rivermen’s roster. No reason to doubt the AHL’s ability to provide Tank a challenge and continue his development, but why play in the “#2″ league on the other side of the map when he can play for the “#1b” league in his backyard (and be paid millions not thousands)?

All most all indications, outside of Dmitry’s report Tuesday, suggest that Tarasenko will pack his bags for a new challenge on a new continent. Best to be patient and let Doug Armstrong handle his business.