Insider Reveals for Which 3 Clubs Vladimir Tarasenko Waived His NTC

The story starts in 2010 when the Blues selected the Russian sniper 16th overall in the NHL Entry Draft. Tarasenko made the migration to North America during the 2012-13 season.

Since, he has posted 553 points (262g-291a) in 644 games for St. Louis, with another 60 in 90 playoff games. Their long, profitable union went south when the forward requested a trade in 2021.

St. Louis' front office has iterated time and time again that they intend to fulfill Tarasenko's request but has yet to formulate any sort of deal. Not for lack of trying, they merely couldn't satisfy their own ambitions.

Tarasenko is totally in control of where he goes with his full no-trade clause. According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Tarasenko has only waived his NTC for three other clubs - that he knows of.

All three teams would benefit from Tarasenko's services, and all three are competing for the playoffs. One can't help but wonder how none of them have been able to land the talented sniper.

It can't go unmentioned that the Blues have done wrong by Tarasenko for failing to honor his trade request. Especially when one considers the nature of the request.

Initially, Tarasenko grew unhappy with the club's management of a pair of shoulder injuries sustained in 2018 and 2019. It is believed that Tarasenko was upset that the club overlooked the severity of the injuries, which led to longer recovery periods, and the forward's trust in the club was shaken.

Clearly, the two sides have mended their relationship, but Tarasenko's request is still active. Will the Blues trade him by the deadline or lose Tarasenko to free agency this summer?