Vladimir Tarasenko Bio
Vladimir Andreyevich Tarasenko is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on 13 December 1991 in Yaroslavl, Soviet Union. Before moving to the NHL, he played for Sibir Novosibirsk and SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Drafted 16th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Tarasenko had a significant impact in the league, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the Blues. After successful stints with various NHL teams, he continues to be a prominent figure in professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Vladimir Tarasenko was born in Yaroslavl, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. He grew up in a family with a strong hockey background; his father, Andrei Tarasenko, was a former scoring champion in the Russian league and competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics. This familial connection to the sport provided Vladimir with early exposure to ice hockey, fostering his passion for the game from a young age. His journey in hockey began in earnest when he joined the Sibir Novosibirsk organization, where he made his professional debut in the KHL during the 2008–09 season.
Path to Hockey
Tarasenko’s early career was marked by significant achievements in the KHL. He quickly made a name for himself, scoring seven goals and ten points in his debut season, which earned him recognition as a runner-up for Rookie of the Year in the KHL’s inaugural season. His performance at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he scored eight goals in seven games, further solidified his reputation as a rising star. After a successful stint with Sibir, he was traded to SKA Saint Petersburg in 2012, where he continued to develop his skills before making the leap to the NHL.
Vladimir Tarasenko Career
Early Career (2010–2012)
Tarasenko was drafted 16th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Blues for the 2012–13 season after a brief return to SKA Saint Petersburg due to the NHL lockout. His debut was remarkable; he scored two goals on his first two shots in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing his potential as a goal scorer. In his rookie season, he finished with eight goals and 11 assists in 38 games, earning him the NHL’s Rookie of the Month award in January 2013.
Breakthrough (2013–2023)
Tarasenko’s breakthrough came during his time with the St. Louis Blues, where he became one of the franchise’s leading scorers. He played in three NHL All-Star Games and was instrumental in the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory, their first in franchise history. During the playoffs that year, he scored 11 goals, ranking among the top players in the league. His scoring prowess continued, with a career-high 34 goals in the 2021–22 season, helping the Blues advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tarasenko is known for his exceptional wrist shot, making him one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the NHL. He signed an eight-year, $60 million contract with the Blues in 2015, solidifying his status as a key player for the team. After a successful tenure with the Blues, he was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2023, where he continued to perform at a high level.
Vladimir Tarasenko Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Vladimir Tarasenko has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances on the ice, reflecting his status as one of the elite players in the NHL.
Vladimir Tarasenko Awards Won
Vladimir Tarasenko has won several prestigious awards, including the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Vladimir Tarasenko Family
Vladimir Tarasenko is married and has two sons. His wife has a son from a previous marriage, creating a blended family. Tarasenko’s father, Andrei, has been a significant influence in his life and career, having been a professional hockey player himself.
Personal Life
Tarasenko and his wife were married on 1 July 2015. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his professional career while enjoying family time. He was also featured as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 17, highlighting his popularity and status in the sport.
