40 Days Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena: Daniil Tarasov

Daniil Tarasov hasn't really had a shot at grabbing the top goalie spot for Columbus, but that could change this year. Or could it?

The 25-year-old Russian is supposed to compete with Elvis Merzļikins for the top job. But, with Don Waddell coming out very early in his tenure and saying that Merzļikins will get all the support and opportunities he needs to succeed, it could be another long season on the bench for Tarasov. 

The 2023-24 season was a step up for Tarasov. He played in 24 games and started 23. Unfortunately for him, however, his season would get a late start due to injury. 

He didn't make his first start until December 16th against the New Jersey Devils. He missed training camp and the first two months of the season due to a knee injury. He gave up 13 goals in his first three starts but got a win when his Jackets put up 9 goals against Buffalo in game two for Tarasov. 

In February against the Anaheim Ducks, his game finally came to him. From February 21st until April 4th, he played 13 games and started 12. Although he only went 5-5-1, he stopped nearly everything thrown at him. In those 13 games, his save % was .928%, while his GAA was 2.30. Those are the numbers you expect to see from an elite #1 goalie in the NHL.

The injury bug struck again on April 4th though. He and rookie David Jiříček collided near Tarasov's net which caused him to sustain an upper-body injury. It was described as a head or neck injury. He would miss the rest of the season.

Tarasov finished with a record of 8-11-3, a save % of .908%, and a GAA of 3.18. 

Daniil Tarasov and Elvis Merzļikins will be battling for the #1 goalie spot for Columbus this season. The obvious key for Tarasov is to stay healthy. Injuries have no doubt stunted his development so far in his young career. 

He has one year left on his current contract and will then be a restricted-free agent. Merzļikins has three years left on his deal, but should he get traded or bought out, that's when Tarasov might finally get the net as the full-time starter. 

Tarasov must continue the hot play that he ended the 2024 season with, and take full advantage of the starts he's given. 

It feels like this has to be the year that Daniil Tarasov takes off. 

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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