According to Artemi Panarin, no one is happier than he that the New York Rangers have completed a transaction to acquire Vladimir Tarasenko. The friendship between the two Russians goes back more than a decade.
• Also read: Patrick Kane ‘disappointed’ with Rangers trade
• Also read: NHL: Vladimir Tarasenko transfers from the Blues to the Rangers
The two 19-year-olds met at the 2011 Ice Hockey World Junior Championships. Russia eventually won the tournament, creating a strong bond between these young hockey players.
Tarasenko was in his second appearance at the tournament, taking left winger under his right wing.
“He took care of me. It was my first time with the national team so he took care of me. I will never thank him enough for that,” Panarin said in a press crowd on Friday, according to NHL.com.
On Friday, the two 31-year-old friends completed a trio with Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad in training, enough to excite most National League goalies. Her first challenge was the Seattle Kraken in the evening.
In his slippers
Since arriving in North America from St. Petersburg, Tarasenko has known only St. Louis as home. For a man who doesn’t like change, the Big Apple will prove quite a challenge.
“It’s quite difficult mentally to change things,” he said. I like old things. I’ve been using my old gear for many, many years. I can not change it. But I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”
Missouri’s exit was a little against his will, as the Blues showed no sign of wanting to strike a new deal with him. Tarasenko will become a free agent at the end of the season when his eight-year, $60 million contract expires.
“I didn’t get any offers, so I knew I would go somewhere else,” he said. I spoke to Artemi, and [les Rangers] wanted me and I wanted to be here too. It’s a big team. One of my best friends plays here. We have a chance to win the trophy again and that motivates us.”
Tarasenko, winner of the 2019 Stanley Cup, can help Panarin get his hands on the precious trophy. This arrived in Chicago in 2015, a few months after the Blackhawks’ last capture.