WATCH – Vladimir Tarasenko SAVORS first goal as Rangers with BFF Artemi Panarin in game against Kraken, NHL Twitter reacts

Vladimir Tarasenko states how excited he was to skate in the same line with BFF Artemi Panarin and Mike Zibanejad following his trade by the Blues to the Rangers.

<strong>WATCH – Vladimir Tarasenko SAVORS first goal as Rangers with BFF Artemi Panarin in game against Kraken, NHL Twitter reacts</strong>

Vladimir Tarasenko and Artemi Panarin [Image Credit: The hockey News/Side Action]

NHL forward Vladimir Tarasenko got traded by the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers in a blockbuster trade on Thursday. Tarasenko noted that he wanted to be with the Rangers, especially after knowing he won’t get a suitable extension from the Blue Jackets.

He further went on to emphasize his relationship with Artemi Panarin and the Rangers’ drive to win the Stanley Cup this season. After the 2019 Stanley Cup win with the Blues, Tarasenko wanted to help the team win another, but that remained a dream.

YouTube video

Now with the Rangers, he is excited to attain that goal. Furthermore skating with his best friend Panarin and Mike Zibanejad will definitely be a thrilling experience. Needless to say, he has already put a goal to his name as a Rangers.

FS Video

Related: Patrick Kane CHERISHES home game prior NHL deadline while Artemi Panarin urges Rangers to make 2023 ‘Showtime’ trade splash

Vladimir Tarasenko is excited to be linemate with Artemi Panarin and Mike Zibanejad

Vladimir Tarasenko debuts as Rangers [Image Credit: New York Post]
Vladimir Tarasenko debuts as Rangers [Image Credit: New York Post]

Vladimir Tarasenko debuted as Rangers in the game against Seattle Kraken, with the team snatching up a 6-3 victory at Madison Square Garden. He commented on the arena, “First of all, the building [Madison Square Garden], it’s always exciting to play there”. 

“It’s a good team, obviously, and like I said before, they have a goal here to win a Cup, which is very exciting.” Currently, the 2010 NHL Draft pick is under his final 8-year $60 million deal. He was set to become a UFA if his destination wasn’t fixed prior deadline.

Tarasenko expressed his excitement to play as a Rangers, “I’m happy to join the New York Rangers, see some friends of mine”. “The group of guys seems very nice, they gave me a warm welcome. I feel very, very good.” “There was no chance I was staying in St. Louis. 

“No deal was offered, so I knew I was going to be moved somewhere. I talked with Artemi Panarin and they want me here. I want to be here, too. It’s a big team, one of my best friends plays here, and it’s a chance to win a Cup again. It’s our motivation.”

As he netted his first goal against Karken, he said of Mike Zibanejad and Panarin, “I don’t think it matters who passes the puck, but it was nice to connect for a goal”. “We hope more are coming. We’ll get to know each other better and play well every game. … I know they (Panarin and Zibanejad) can make a play, so I just tried to be ready.”

The forward admitted that sometimes during games we keep our focus on the puck only, but even then he admits liking playing with his new linemates. He said that a lot of emotions were involved, and his experience in the arena will be something he always cherishes.

Panarin and Tarasenko’s friendship dates back to more than 10 years ago when the duo represented Russia at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, winning gold at the event.

According to NHL.com, Zibanejad who knew of the trade on Thursday said, “I didn’t believe it at first”. He further stated that he was happy to get to know him and skate with him on ice. After Tarasenko netted his first goal, the arena started chanting his name, as a sign of welcome to the Rangers.

In case you missed:

“He’s doing well” – Rasmus Andersson day-to-day following HORRIFYING hit by car in Detroit, NHL Twitter reacts

WATCH: Dallas fan gets BUTCHERED in stands after dropping ‘N’-word during Stars vs. Wild game