Is Daniil Tarasov the goaltender of the future for the Columbus Blue Jackets

In the third round (86th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected goalie Daniil Tarasov. During the 2021-’22 season, Tarasov had his ups and downs, as many young goaltenders trying to make the jump to the next level tend to. Tarasov played just 11 games for the Cleveland Monsters, where he recorded a 5-3-4 record .893 save percentage, nothing really eye-popping. Tarasov did make his way to Columbus and had four starts and performed well, posting a .937 save percentage with no wins. Tarasov’s season ended due to a hip injury that required surgery. This season, Tarasov is beginning to look the part of an NHL starting goalie.

With both Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins injured, Daniil Tarasov has gotten the nod many nights in goal for the Blue Jackets. Tarasov’s numbers are a bit deceiving a 2-6-1 record in nine starts, with 3.03 goals against average to go with a .915 save percentage; Tarasov has been steady in the net. Injuries to many Blue Jackets have led to a poor record; throw the record away for a moment.

Both Korpisalo and Merzlikins have struggled when healthy; Tarasov has been very calm and focused—even possessing a 3.9 GSAx in 5v5 situations. While injuries have forced the Blue Jackets’ hand, and the organization was pressed to call Tarasov up, that is not a bad thing. Tarasov should absolutely be in Cleveland with the Monsters. Still, Tarasov has and is showing he will be in the mix for starting goalie very soon.

Merzlikins, who has not been right this season, has been put on the back burner when healthy, while Tarasov has taken center stage. When Korpisalo returns from injury, it is expected Tarasov will be returned to Cleveland. In what amounts to a throwaway season in Columbus, the organization is getting looks at prospects as injuries have mounted.

Daniil Tarasov is looking at the part of the Blue Jackets’ starting goalie very soon. If that means a combination of Tarasov/Korpisalo or Tarasov/Merzlikins is unknown at this time. One thing is clear, Daniil Tarasov has the makings of a very solid starting goaltender.

Stanley Cup Aspirations Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. Stanley Cup Aspirations
  2. The Final Countdown
  3. Here Come the Playoffs
  4. Home Stretch
  5. Kevy Cooks

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Stuart Skinner

Opinion: Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Showing Some Steadiness Between the Pipes

When it comes to Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, one never knows what they are going to get. On one hand, one might see a version of Skinner, 26, who stands tall, comes up with big saves, does not get out of position, and does not allow soft goals. When this version of Skinner is […]

Read More

3 Takeaways From The Florida Panthers & Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 | 05/28/2025

“Big players make big plays at the biggest moments when you need them too.” That’s what Sam Reinhart had to say about his captain, Sasha Barkov, in his post-game interview. The Cats rallied from a disappointing first period to score three unanswered goals in the second. The eventual game winner scored by Verhaeghe developed from […]

Read More
Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture […]

Read More