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Can't get enough of Vladimir Tarasenko? Check out the pics of his "debut" on BluenoteZone.com
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Vladimir Tarasenko may have been formally introduced to just a small selection of St. Louis media members today, but the target audience of today’s presser was located well outside the walls of the Blues’ practice facility in Hazelwood.
The recently rekindled collective of blue bleeding diehards from the 636 to the 618 and the 314 in between has long waited for the arrival of the 16th overall selection in the 2010 draft in North America. Over the last few months that desire has only increased with few new faces signed in the offseason and the proposition of a lockout looming like a thunderhead on the ever closer horizon.
These are the times when good ole fashioned Midwestern values kick in. Down times, much like storms, come and go. The trick to riding them out is to find a safe place and make lemonade. To make the concoction palatable a sweetener is required.
For the latest round of bad weather the good stuff was imported from Russia and delivered not a moment too soon. In a blue wrapper stamped with a No. 91 no less.
While the Blues certainly aren’t ashamed by the notion that the meet and greet quote creating event raises the spirits of their core customers, that’s not the reason why the 20 year old winger is here. Tarasenko is here to play hockey. Further, he’s going to provide scoring depth in the short term as he develops towards fulfilling long term potential. But let’s move past the blatantly obvious and on to the byproducts.
In short, what does he mean to the Blues and their fans?
Begging your pardon for the bluntness in advance, for the team it's all about money.
While the lineup boasts it's fair share of names fairly recognizable to Joe Q Fan in Any NHL Market, CAN/USA -- Backes, Oshie, Halak, Pietrangelo -- it hasn't had a bona-fide star since Chris Pronger was traded to Edmonton. With all due respect to Pavol Demitra and Keith Tkachuk, there hasn't been a top tier scorer upfront since the Brett Hull era ended in 1998. Though the game is a team sport, star power dominates the business side and the Blues have been far from it in that respect. A high profile marquee player brings more than just machismo. Don't forget more games on national TV, increasing merch sales, and above all more local TV viewers which should trickle down to advertising, corporate sponsorships and a more lucrative broadcasting deal.
Granted, this day dream could wind up being his cousin pipe in disguise, but the possibility is too good to not entertain and wonder what if.
To the fans Tarasenko means a renewed sense of optimism in the here and now.
In the dark days following the 2004-05 lockout there wasn't much, really any reason at all, to believe the present could match the future. The core rebuilding blocks were either developing in various junior leagues or just beginning their NHL careers. The team on the ice was not one that could compete with any of the other 29 teams consistently. More time was needed. Then the 2009 playoff appearance changed perception. Even though it took a wild and crazy -- and likely unrepeatable -- run to qualify, the fact that they did indicated that time everyone had been waiting on had arrived.
...or so was thought...
Two seasons of regression -- or stagnation depending on personal preference -- much like the corresponding recession of the time, was a cold dose of reality... and renewed pessimism.
The 2011-12 season walks, talks and acts just like the 2009 campaign. Success above and beyond expectations seemingly indicates the Blues are finally where they were supposed to be. Just a little late, but better than never. With a productive core assembled and sustainable over the next five or so years it appears that success won't be a fluke this time around. Adding Tarasenko to the mix should only reaffirm that sentiment. As he is exactly what fans have been clamoring for, a rock star offensive threat. It make take the young man a few seasons to get there. Assuming he does, in theory, the Blues are set to not only compete at the highest level, but make runs at the hardware which has eluded the franchise for over 40 years.
Now I leave the question to you. Share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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Tarasenko Press Conference Video.
GM Doug Armstrong talks about Tarasenko and next season.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
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