San Jose Sharks Forward Daniil Tarasov Heading To Russia
Feb 4, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks right wing Daniil Tarasov (71) skates during the warmup period against Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks took a bit of a hit as forward Daniil Tarasov has decided to return home to Russia. Tarasov, a restricted free agent with the Sharks, has signed with HC Dynamo Moscow of the KHL.
Tarasov, 24, made his NHL debut back on Feb. 5 against the Vancouver Canucks and he scored his first career point by picking up an assist in the game. Tarasov appeared in four other games with the Sharks last season, registering that lone assist while being a plus-two in just 7:34 of ice time.
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Earlier this summer, San Jose decided to qualify Tarasov to retain his rights, but he opted for a likely larger role with Dynamo. The six-foot, 185-pound right wing is originally from Moscow so this will be a homecoming for Tarasov.
While Tarasov did see some time in San Jose, he was likely destined to begin next year with the newly formed San Jose Barracuda. In 54 games with the Worcester Sharks during 2014-15, Tarasov scored 16 goals and 17 assists, a notch above the 17 goals and 14 assists he recorded with Worcester during the 2013-14 season.
The Tarasov decision will affect the Sharks’ forward depth throughout their organization but they shouldn’t be in too much trouble. Tarasov displayed some decent speed and skill, but he battled the injury bug at times during the past couple of seasons.
With Tarasov off to Russia, perhaps this will open up another path for one of San Jose’s bevy of young forwards to make an impact on the Sharks next year.