Vladimir Tarasenko is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Ottawa Senators. Vladimir was born on December 13, 1991, in Yaroslavl, Russia. He began his playing career with Sibir Novosibirsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in 2008-09.
He spent four seasons with Novosibirsk before being traded to SKA Saint Petersburg in 2012. In his rookie season, he scored 7 goals and 3 assists in 38 games. Vladimir continued to improve in his second season with Sibir, scoring 13 goals and 24 points in 43 games.
In 2010, Vladimir was selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. He made his NHL debut in 2012-13 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Vladimir scored 8 goals and 11 assists in his rookie season, helping the Blues reach the playoffs. In the 2013-14 season, he scored 21 goals and 22 assists in 64 games. Vladimir continued his excellent performance and scored at least 30 goals for five consecutive seasons from 2014-15 to 2018-19. He was also named to the NHL All-Star Game three times during that span.
In 2019, Vladimir helped the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. He scored 10 goals and 15 assists in the playoffs, including the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vladimir was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2023. He finished the season with 33 goals and 35 assists in 76 games.
Vladimir has continued to improve each season in the NHL. He has scored over 30 goals in six of his nine seasons in the league and has been named to the NHL All-Star Team four times.
In 2022-23, Vladimir was traded to the New York Rangers. He has played well for the Rangers, scoring 8 goals and 21 points in 31 games. Vladimir signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 27, 2023, after leaving the Rangers as a free agent.
Why does Tarasenko wear 91?
Vladimir Tarasenko wears the number #91 in tribute to his fellow Russian hockey player Sergei Fedorov. Sergei was a Hall of Famer who played for the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was among the most talented and versatile players in NHL history, winning three Stanley Cups and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP in 1994.
Vladimir has once said that Sergei was his idol growing up and wanted to wear the number #91 to honor him. He also said that he wanted to choose a number that was unique and that would stand out. The number 91 is unique and he has lived up to the expectations that come with wearing the number 91.
Vladimir has worn the number #91 since he was a junior hockey player in Russia. He continued to wear it when he came to the NHL in 2012, and he has worn it ever since. He has become one of the most popular players in the NHL, and his number #91 jersey is one of the most popular jerseys among fans.
Vladimir is a skilled goal-scorer, a playmaker, and a leader. He is also a role model for young hockey players all over the world.
FAQs
A. Vladimir Tarasenko is 31 years old as of October 2023. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 225 pounds.
A. Vladimir Tarasenko wears the number #91 in tribute to his fellow Russian hockey player Sergei Fedorov.
A. Vladimir Tarasenko plays for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL) and wears the number #91 for them.
A. In 2010, Vladimir Tarasenko was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
A. Vladimir Tarasenko is signed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Ottawa Senators. His average annual salary is $5 million.