Vladimir Tarasenko shocks fans by requesting trade from St. Louis Blues

Could Russian sniper Vladimir Tarasenko soon be wearing a different jersey than that of the only NHL team he's ever known? According to a report that became public just minutes ago, it's a possibility. 

According to multiple sources, the Russian sniper has officially requested a trade out of St. Louis. The report was first published by Jeremy Rutherford, the Blues reporter for The Athletic. Rutherford also reports that Blues GM Doug Armstrong is attempting to facilitate a move that would benefit both sides.

Tarasenko, who is about to enter the the seventh year of an eight-year, $60 million contract, is reportedly unhappy with the way the team handled his shoulder surgical procedures, leading to a lack of trust. 

Per The Athletic: 

"So why does he want out? According to sources familiar with the situation, he is upset with the team’s handling of his shoulder surgeries in 2018 and 2019 — his first two of three such surgeries, which were both performed by Blues physicians — and feels there’s no trust left between him and the organization."

....

"There has been speculation that Tarasenko’s camp has supplied the Blues with a shortlist of teams to which he’d approve a trade, but sources say the list includes as many as 10 teams.

It would make sense for Tarasenko, who switched to agent Paul Theofanous from Mike Liut this summer, to be open-minded about where he’s potentially going. If he limited the number of clubs to which the Blues could trade him, he’d be lessening his chances of getting moved.

Furthermore, Tarasenko will likely want to play for a contender, and the list of those teams with limited cap space next season includes Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, the New York Islanders, Vegas, Washington, Montreal, Toronto and Florida. They make up eight of the 16 teams that made the postseason this year, and the number is nine including the Blues.

The Islanders, who were knocked out of this year’s playoffs by Tampa Bay, have been mentioned as a possible fit. The New York Rangers, who have Tarasenko’s close friend Artemi Panarin (who is also represented by Theofanous) could be another. Would he waive his no-trade clause to play in Edmonton with Connor McDavid and company?"

Tarasenko was drafted by the Blues with the 16th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, and has been a consistent goal scorer since bursting onto the scene during the 2012-13 NHL Season. His best campaign came in 2015-16, during which he scored a career high 40 goals. 

He contributed 11 goals and six assists during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs as he helped the Blues to their first Stanley Cup win in franchise history.