Perhaps Tarasenko will head to the NHL in spite of his homeland efforts being overlooked, perhaps he would make the jump regardless of making that team, or perhaps there just wasn’t any room for another young’n on such a stacked squad, with the Russian brass electing to go with the more flashy superstar, Kuznetsov, as their sole injection of youth.

Either way, Armstrong is hoping Tarasenko comes over, because his skill and strength will fit right in with this growing crop of young talent who made a big step this past season, and because you just want that Russian asset who you gambled your first rounder on to pan out in North America, ASAP.

I for one hope to see him in the Central Division instead of the Bobrov Division when he laces them up next season.