Until the 2023–24 NHL season begins, there is a lot of time. Despite the lack of on-ice action, trades, contracts, and other off-ice intrigue are keeping NHL fans on the edge of their seats. After only appearing in 31 games for the New York Rangers in the 2022–23 season, Russian NHL superstar Vladimir Tarasenko was traded to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. After a fantastic first half of the season with one of Wayne Gretzky’s teams, the star right winger was given a $5 million deal, which he undoubtedly accepted.

The National Hockey League’s social media site broke the news of Vladimir Tarasenko’s trade. Some of the Russian NHL star’s fans were thrilled by the news of his move, while others were just disappointed.

Senators just secured a Stanley Cup winner

Before signing with the New York Rangers on February 9, 2023, Vladimir Tarasenko, at 31 years old, played his whole career with the St. Louis Blues. The Blues picked him in the first round, sixteenth overall, at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The Russian NHL standout joined the organization in 2012–13 after being selected by them. The right winger spent 11 years with the Blues and helped them win the 2019 Stanley Cup. The 31-year-old forward split last season between the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers, where he amassed 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists) in 69 regular-season games. His time with the New York Rangers came to an end on Thursday when the Ottawa Senators signed him to a massive $5 million deal.

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Pierre Dorion, general manager of the Ottawa Senators, was relieved and pleased with the trade and eager to welcome Tarasenko to the team. He elaborated, stating, “Vladimir’s a natural goal-scorer.” Dorion describes Tarasenko as an “underrated playmaker” and that he “can score from anywhere in the offensive zone” as two of the many reasons the Russian right winger was selected.

With such a great player on board, the Senators are “thrilled” to be aiming for the playoffs next year. The deal came as a complete surprise, and word of it spread like wildfire throughout the web.

Leaving the NHL fans in two boats

The move caught everyone in the NHL off guard. Immediately after the NHL’s announcement on their official Instagram page, followers from all around the globe flooded the comments area.

Apart from the rink action, this fan is worried about the NHL star, as they said, “This man is making how much after Canadian taxes!? Hope he can feed his family. Pray for him.” Even if the Rangers did make it to the playoffs last season, this comment read, “Glad he gets a proper shot at a second Cup with Ottawa. Rangers lack so much aura.”

A Rangers fan commented, “This is horrible news for me (rangers fan).” The season hasn’t started yet, but the predictions are coming in. As this comment read, “Sooooo he doesn’t want to win?”

The agreement has certainly startled everyone in the National Hockey League around the globe. All the fans can do now is wait for Tarasenko to take the ice with his new teammates.

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