Vladimir Tarasenko
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Shot: Tarasenko boasts one of the most lethal wristers in the game. It’s heavy, accurate and he can seemingly get it off from anywhere in the offensive zone. He’s patient and keeps goaltenders guessing before pulling the trigger. On the man advantage, he likes to circle in from the left boards so that he can receive a pass in stride and fully lean into his release.
Power Game: At 6’0” and 225 pounds, he’s built thick. The winger uses that strength to shield the puck from defenders and battle for loose pucks in front of the net. If he senses an opportunity on the rush, he’ll lower his shoulder and bowl his way right to the goaltender.
Playmaking: He’s an underrated passer. He may not deliver much flash with no-look or saucer setups, but he makes smart, pinpoint dishes that put his teammates in advantageous situations. His shooting threat naturally creates space for those around him.
WEAKNESSES
Durability: Injuries have really slowed down his career, as the perennial 30-goal scorer has struggled to play 30 games lately. Shoulder issues have cast doubt over the state of his shooting ability. His game obviously relies heavily on marksmanship.
Shot Selection: Like many gifted shooters, he doesn’t always fire the smartest bids on goal. Instead of buying time and setting up a better look, he’ll rush a shot after entering the zone or register a low-percentage attempt from a bad angle. He sometimes lacks patience and faith in his teammates.
