Blues have special message for Vladimir Tarasenko

The Vladimir Tarasenko era with the St. Louis Blues that included the franchise's first Stanley Cup victory officially came to an end in February. He was traded to the New York Rangers as part of a blockbuster deal that saw Sammy Blais, Hunter Skinner, a conditional 2023 first-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick sent back to St. Louis. Additionally, the Blues retained 50% of Tarasenko's cap hit. 

It wasn't long after the trade that Tarasenko, who requested a trade last season but later rescinded the request, said that there was "no chance" of his staying with St. Louis. 

"There was no chance I was staying in St. Louis," he said. "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." 

Last night marked Tarasenko's return to St. Louis for the first time since the trade went down. And not surprisingly, the Blues had a special video tribute prepared for him during a break in play the 1st period.

And afterward, the former Blues forward certainly was appreciative of the love that he was shown by the fans who cheered for him for 11 years. 

"This was a very emotional moment for me," he said ."Thank you very much to the whole community. I don't talk very much since the trade, but all the support they give us through those 11 years was unreal. I always loved the fans. So it was very, very emotional for us."