Vladimir Tarasenko bids adieu to the St. Louis Blues as he shares emotional message on social media

Vladimir Tarasenko was one of the longest serving players for the St. Louis Blues. He was drafted by the Blues as the 16th overall pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft. In his 11-years with the team, Tarasenko played 444 games and recorded 553 points from 262 goals and 291 assists.

On Sunday, Tarasenko posted a heartfelt appreciation note for the St. Louis Blues players, organizations and fans captioned:

"Thank you from Vladimir, Yana, Mark, Alexander and Artem."

Tarasenko cherished his memories from the earliest years in the organization, from being drafted by the team to winning the Stanley Cup in 2019:

"From being drafted, to fulfilling my dream of making the NHL, to bringing the Stanley Cup to the great city of St. Louis --- All will stay with me for life."

As part of the St. Louis Blues, Vladimir Tarasenko saw a lot of change. He made sure to express his sincere appreciation to all the players and coaches he has worked with as well:

"I want to thank the St. Louis Blues organization, my coaches, teammates and team staff for makig my days in a Blues jersey as great as I could have ever hoped for when I came here a deacde ago."

Tarasenko went on to thank the fans for accepting him and his family and welcoming them as one of their own. He mentions what an honor and a privilege it has been to represent the Blues for over a decade:

"Blues fans, you welcome me and my family and accepted us as your own from day 1. It's been an Honor and a Privilege to play for you all of these years."

Vladimir Tarasenko's trade to the New York Rangers

Vladimir Tarasenko was traded to the New York Rangers along with defenseman Niko Mikkola. The Blues received Sammy Blais, Hunter Skinner and a first- and fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft.

The 31-year-old was in the final year of his eight-year, $60 million contract and had a cap hit of $7.5 million. The St. Louis Blues will retain 50% of his salary, giving the Rangers more freedom to add other players before the trade deadline.

Vladimir Tarasenko scored his first goal for the Rangers in his debut match against the Seattle Kraken at MSG and looks to be a fine addition already.