Surgeon: Tarasenko's shoulder '100% ready' for next season

The doctor who performed Vladimir Tarasenko's most recent surgery is certain that shoulder issues won't hold the disgruntled St. Louis Blues sniper back next season.

"Vlad's shoulder is very stable and strong," Dr. Peter Millett told The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. "He told me it is more stable and stronger than it has felt in a long while. To me, it feels rock solid. There is no doubt Vlad will be 100% ready for the upcoming season. I am confident he will be ready to play and that he will make a big impact for his team."

Tarasenko, 29, recently requested a trade out of St. Louis, where he's spent his entire nine-year NHL career. He's reportedly upset by the Blues' handling of his first two shoulder operations and no longer trusts the organization. Team physicians oversaw Tarasenko's surgeries in 2018 and 2019, but he chose Millett to repair ligament damage in 2020.

The Blues left Tarasenko exposed for Wednesday's Seattle Kraken expansion draft. The NHL's 32nd franchise could select the star winger to play in its top six or flip him to another team for assets.

Tarasenko has only played 34 regular-season games over the past two years. He was one of the league's top scorers before being hampered by injuries, eclipsing the 30-goal mark in five consecutive seasons from 2014-19.