1. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, St. Louis Blues
The Blues needed a self-starter offensively in Ken Hitchcock’s system, and Tarasenko seems like he’s going to be the solution. He’s a total package right now: Composed off the ice, some physical edge to his game on the ice and elite offensive skills in scoring eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in six games. From Norm Sanders:
Tarasenko possesses elite skills, but also has the ability to place himself in the high-percentage scoring areas at the right times. He also has a ridiculously quick shot and a puck-bag full of move.
You know he has to be good if he’s (a) a Russian and (b) a rookie whose soul Hitchcock hasn’t yet crushed.
