Today on tsn.ca, it is reported that Flames prospect C Andrei Taratukhin has signed a 3 year deal with Ufa Salavat Yulaev of the Russian Super League. Taratukhin joins D Mark Giordano as the second Flame this week to leave the Flames for Russia.
The Flames still have Taratukhin under contract for one more year at a entry level deal. Taratukhin played for Ufa Salavat Yulaev during the lock-out year, so this will be his second time around with the team. Taratukhin played with Omaha of the AHL last year appeared in 80 games scoring 17 goals to go along with 60 points.
Coming off a great year down in Omaha, Taratukhin looked poised to be on the Flames opening day roster heading into this offseason. Things changed when the Flames re-signed RW Marcus Nilson and LW/C Wayne Primeau. Though there is still one roster spot open on the left side on the 4th line, Taratuhkin being a center might have not have had as good of a chance to crack the Flames roster.
I think this is another terrible loss for the Flames, they have now lost their best defense prospect and now one of their best forward prospects. Even if Taratukhin didn't grab the last roster spot, he could continue to develop down in Omaha and would have been a call-up through out the season for injuries especially for guys like Stephane Yelle who is only guaranteed to play about 70 games a year. Taratukhin was probably in Sutter's plans for not only this year but especially next year considering that centers Daymond Langkow and Craig Conroy are both UFA's. The Flames haven't came out with a statement about this yet but it will be interesting to what they say about it. I guess Taratukhin didn't want another year in Omaha just like Giordano even though Gio could return next year, its too bad Taratukhin couldn't wait just 1 more year.
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