Vladimir Tarasenko opens up on Red Wings exit in a very blunt way
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Newest Minnesota Wild forward Vladimir Tarasenko wasn't shy about letting the media know how he felt about GM Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings after being traded.
The Detroit Red Wings thought they would be getting a Vladimir Tarasenko, who was a 50+ point forward who played for both the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators last season.
Instead, it appears Father Time has worked wonders on his production, this season scoring only 33 points (11-22) in 80 games with the Red Wings. A disappointing metric by any means for the skilled forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion.
The Detroit Red Wings wouldn't hesitate to trade him before free agency kicked into high gear, sending him west to the Minnesota Wild.
The urgency was there, as Steve Yzerman accepted the meager return of "Future Considerations" for the forward.
Tarasenko's conference call revealed a truth behind the split, as it appeared he initiated the beginning of trade talks, which resulted in him being sent to the Wild.
«Yeah, we wanted a change,» Tarasenko said. «The trade happened. I don't even know what else to say. Probably to most questions about the past, I'll say that the past is behind us.»
Needless to say, whatever happened between him and the Red Wings sounds like it may have been a bad experience for both the team and Tarasenko.
Which is shameful, as both player and organization come into the relationship assuming they put their best foot forward, and both are now disappointed.
His explanation for his drop in production was a matter of fatigue, it sounded like when describing how often he switched teams in the last two years (Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and now the Detroit Red Wings).
«I have a lot of time this summer,» Tarasenko said. «I think for the first time in my career, I have so much time to prepare for the season. It is possible to rest not only physically but also mentally.»
The offseason, he can recharge his batteries and come back and set the league on fire in the Wild colors.
It's only a shame it took him this long to realize he may need to power down and wasn't able to recently.
The forward has scored 662 points during his NHL career and played 831 games, and won two Stanley Cups.
This might be an excuse and easy out for Tarasenko, but as someone who's had experience winning two cups, you're valued for your experience and input, and it sounds like there may have been an anemic amount of it in the locker room.
The offseason, he can recharge his batteries and come back and set the league on fire in the Wild colors.
It's only a shame it took him this long to realize he may need to power down and wasn't able to recently.
The forward has scored 662 points during his NHL career and played 831 games, and won two Stanley Cups.
This might be an excuse and easy out for Tarasenko, but as someone who's had experience winning two cups, you're valued for your experience and input, and it sounds like there may have been an anemic amount of it in the locker room.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 6 | 240 ANSWERS Vladimir Tarasenko opens up on Red Wings exit in a very blunt way Do you think forward Vladimir Tarasenko put forth his best effort playing for the Detroit Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 10.8 % |
| No | 214 | 89.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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