Vladimir Tarasenko reveals why he chose rebuilding Senators

The Ottawa Senators didn't have to wait too long to replace the offense that was lost when forward Alex DeBrincat was traded to his hometown Detroit Red Wings last month. 

Heading to the Canadian capitol city is Russian forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who isn't the sniper that he once was with the St. Louis Blues but still can be relied upon for consistent production. And while some were a bit puzzled at his choice to join the rebuilding Senators, especially after it appeared as though he was on the verge of signing with the contending Carolina Hurricanes, he explained it in simple terms as to why he made his choice.

"Yeah, they didn't make the playoffs, but they played well,” Tarasenko added. “It's very exciting when you have a challenge ahead of you. We're excited to be part of it and to maybe share my experience that I've had in previous years. Help the team win the next step, win more games, make the playoffs and go from there."

Tarasenko was traded last season from the Blues to the New York Rangers in a move that seemed like a match made in heaven. However, the Rangers (along with fellow acquisition Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks) coughed up a 2-0 series lead in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the bitter rival New Jersey Devils, who rebounded to win the next four and bounce the Blueshirts from the postseason. And he's ready to help the Sens make a playoff push of their own. 

"I like that it's a young team and is very hungry to win," Tarasenko said. “The guys really seem like they're ready to make the next step. I'm really happy to be part of it."

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