Tarasenko 'enjoying' time with Sens, keeping open mind on future

Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko isn't ruling anything out when it comes to his future, with the March 8 trade deadline quickly approaching.

"When the talks start, of course we're gonna look at all options," he said Monday, according to Sportsnet. "You guys (the media) like to find something, but there is nothing. Nothing I can give you now. I'm just focused on the game tomorrow, we had a good game last game. It's exciting ... just enjoy the moment."

Tarasenko signed a one-year, $5-million deal with the Senators as an unrestricted free agent in July. He's been a solid fit in Canada's capital city, ranking fourth on the team with 14 goals and fifth with 34 points in 46 games.

With Ottawa facing a steep climb to enter the playoff picture, Tarasenko has heard his name crop up in trade rumors, but he's doing his best to tune out the outside noise.

"I think the biggest part is don't read the experts online, you know?" he said. "I don't go online. I don't really read hockey news. There's many people, there's many opinions. I know a lot of guys like to read it, and they just take it very close to themselves, but I think you have to be focused on yourself mostly and do whatever you can do in your situation, and the rest will take care of itself."

Thanks to his no-trade clause, Tarasenko can decide whether he moves or not, but he made it clear he likes playing in Ottawa.

"A good group of guys," he said. "I enjoy the guys a lot. They're very fun. I think it's a very tight group. I always thought it's not about the place, it's more about the people surrounding you. ... A lot of people willing to help, a lot of people offer help, guys help a lot. Yeah, I'm enjoying it."

The 32-year-old was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers last February. Tarasenko has switched agents twice in the last seven months, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.