Two years ago, the Blues met with Russian prospect Vladimir Tarasenko and he convinced St. Louis that he wanted to play in the NHL, not the KHL, when he was ready. They used the No. 16 overall pick in the 2010 draft on the 6-foot forward and despite lucrative offers to stay in Russia, Tarasenko is delivering on his promise. The Blues and Tarasenko have agreed in principal to a contract he'll sign in July as soon as the CBA allows.
