Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
A native of Moscow, Russia, Daniil Tarasov is an undrafted left-handed right winger with a lot of potential. The six-foot tall, 185 lbs. 22 year-old currently wears #19 for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL; he has scored 8 goals and 8 assists for 16 points through 14 games so far in the 2013-2014 season.
Tarasov spent two seasons with the Indiana Ice of the USHL (during which he scored 75 and 88 points, respectively) before signing with the Worcester Sharks on an AHL deal on June 1, 2012. When he first came to the U.S., he described his struggles in adjusting to North American life:
"For the first three or four months, it was really hard. But the guy that I lived was a really nice guy. He helped me a lot and would always point out when I said something wrong and how to say it right,” Tarasov said. “That was probably the biggest thing. Everyone was so nice to me, like the coaches too. It made it easier."
While proving his worth during the 2012-2013 AHL season, he earned himself a two-year deal with the San Jose Sharks; Sharks GM Doug Wilson had this to say about the contract at the time:
"Daniil has had a very strong season and has earned this contract on merit."
Here is a glimpse of Tarasov’s goal-scoring ability, displayed against Sharks prospect Harri Sateri:
Hockey’s Future gives Tarasov a prospect score of 7/10, saying the following about his skills:
"Daniil Tarasov is an offensive dynamo. He possesses very good puck skills, highlighted by his effortless stickhandling ability. His ability to handle and control the puck at top speeds makes him a dangerous threat on the ice."
Tarasov projects to be either a top-six player or a bust with nothing in between, due to his lack of defensive contribution. Once he works on his consistency and defensive play, the standout will get his chance to play with the parent club in San Jose.