It’s clear as day that the goaltending situation in Columbus has not been ideal. Elvis played decent hockey at times during the season but fell off significantly down the stretch, while Tarasov struggled for the vast majority of the season. Tarasov, in particular, was near the bottom of the league in many statistical categories. He ranked 70th out of 81 goalies (minimum of 5 games played) in save percentage and 78th in rebounds per shot, per MoneyPuck.
It feels like this season was Tarasov’s best chance to cement himself as an NHL goalie, even if only as a backup. With Jet Greaves’s sample size growing, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that Tarasov is the number-three goalie in the organization. With Sergei Ivanov potentially coming to North America next season, it’s natural to wonder how Tarasov fits into the organization in the future.
Mark Scheig recently interviewed Don Waddell, who said that he’s interested in bringing Tarasov back. But he also said that he’s not expecting any buyouts over the summer. With Jet Greaves deserving a promotion, one of those two things has to give. Of course, Waddell may extend a qualifying offer to Tarasov only to put him through waivers after training camp.
2024-25 Stats
Games: 20
Wins: 7
Shutouts: 1
SV%: .881
GAA: 3.54
GSAx: -4.4
Contract
Tarasov is an arbitration-eligible RFA this summer. However, based on his performance, I don’t think the arbitration matters if the Jackets were to extend an offer.
High Point
Tarasov’s only shutout of the season came in a shootout loss to the Rangers on January 18th.
Low Point
On November 10th, Tarasov gave up a whopping 7 goals on 22 shots against the Capitals.
Report Card
D
There’s not much else to say. The Blue Jackets desperately need to improve their goaltending to become Cup contenders. Tarasov, outside of a few games here and there, has never really put it together at the NHL level. It may be time to move on.