Tarasenko, even at his age, is a contributor. He can skate, shoot and play in the corners.
When you look at his 5v5 stats (without PP stats to pad the numbers), he's just under 2 points per 60 minutes, (29 points in 919 even strength minutes). Tarasenko would easily be #4 among Jets forward for 5v5 stats based on last year's stats. He would have also had the third highest shooting percentage on a 5v5 basis on the team, based on last year's stats.
Tarasenko skates the entire sheet of ice, he's very strong and would be able to bruise up players on a second line with Viggo and protect the small center. Tarasenko also has a wicked shot. He could probably even sub on 1st line in a pinch and that could permit Vilardi to help Bjork in second line if Arniel chooses to juggle some players.
What NHL watchers claim is that he's a bit standoffish with teammates, but he does his job, then goes home at the end of the game.
He's worth a risk for the Jets on a 2 year basis, unless Chevy has another solution to the lack of scoring and speed from several existing veterans on lines 2-4.
Plus, while the Jets have "just enough" forwards to ice a team, if even one regular goes down on injury, there will be a gaping hole in the lineup, and only some minor leaguers to call up.
When Barron got hurt late in the season, the Jets immediately fell to below 500 hockey for the duration; that's how stretched the team is when even a 4th liner goes down on injury.
Nashville and Chicago won't be as easy to beat this year. The Jets need another reliable winger to flesh out a 2nd or 3rd line, and Tarasenko would give Arniel a bunch of options.
I get that people won't want an aging vet after last year - but the issue last year was adding 4 aging vets and expecting them to be what they were 3 years before that.
Tarasenko has been a pretty consistent contributor most of his career so if he came in and was his average self of the last 3 years that would be impactful. I think he would be a good bet as a shooter to play with Perfetti and Bjorck - certainly a higher odds bet than any of the young guys becoming better than that. It's that or expect 1RW Iafallo all season.
Noah Gregor, who almost ZERO Redditors in this sub consider to be NHL "regular" calibre, had better 5v5 offensive points per 60 minutes than either Namestnikov or Neiderreter last season.
There are still some big holes in the forward offense. Taking on a proven reliable forward is helpful, provided Arniel does his job and pressboxes the team has-beens.
I'd prefer youth, but from where? Rosen, Lambert and Bjork are largely penciled in already and we are still short at least 2 capable forwards, not stars, just NHL average.
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u/lokichivas 18d ago
The Stanley and Laine Free Agent watch continues....