Does Vladimir Tarasenko have what it takes to be the top rookie this year?
Recently, NHL.com did a piece on who was the front runner for the Calder trophy. Their favorite at this point in the season is our very own Vladimir Tarasenko. But is it warranted?
As far as Blues rookies go…absolutely. He has become the first Blues rookie in years to record 5 points in his first two games. The last Blue to do that? Wayne Babych in 1978. 35 long, long years. Many players have started their careers for the Blues since then. I found myself saying “Surely THAT guy did it?” Tarasenko was the only one to do it in a long list of notable names. He owns a 5 game point streak this season. He is showing amazing upside on the offensive side of the ice. I truly believe that he can improve on what he has done so far this season. Playing with Steen and McDonald on the same line surely has helped him along as well. He is able to play at a high level while learning all at the same time. You have to think that has helped out already.
On the defensive side, he is starting to get more comfortable with his role. Yes, he still has his moments of being stuck in offense, but can you blame him? He’s young. He’s focused on numbers and stats. It is something that, in time, will come to him. One thing that had my attention was that he is in the top ten in hits among rookies this year. Some might say that has something to do with who he plays for. I would agree with them, but add that the North American style of hockey is a little “rougher” than he is accustomed to. He seems to be able to judge what type of game that he needs to play on any given night. If he needs to throw his weight around a bit he can, and is willing to. He does not seem to have any stubbornness when it comes to adapting his game to the Blues way of playing hockey. I think that has helped his success so far this year. It has also helped win over many fans (myself included).
“Frank” is playing on the second line on a very deep team. Playing at high levels and earning quality minutes on this team cannot be easy. Tarasenko has done it though, averaging about 14 minutes per game. Obviously, if he can win over Coach Hitchcock then he must be doing something right. Right?
In my mind whoever wins the Calder trophy this year is going to have to go through a “Tank” to get it.