“The Key Was Not To Give Up”: Daniil Tarasov Reflects on Tough Season

Goaltender Daniil Tarasov #40 of the Columbus Blue Jackets (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

Goaltender Daniil Tarasov has been part of the Columbus Blue Jackets system since the 2020–21 season. However, the 26-year-old has yet to secure the role of a full-time starter. This past season was a step back for him — he played only 20 games in the regular season and posted disappointing stats: a 3.54 goals-against average (GAA) and a .881 save percentage (SV%). Tarasov himself described the season as unsatisfactory.

Still, he believes he learned valuable lessons and grew professionally.

“In terms of personal results, it wasn’t what I hoped for,” Tarasov said in an exclusive interview with RG. “But there were positives — especially in terms of character. I had to deal with challenges I had never faced before in my career. Everything used to go more or less smoothly. But in the second half of the season, things began to improve. That showed I had made the right adjustments. It helped me understand the kind of character I have and the kind of challenges I can overcome. That will definitely help in the future.”

Competition with Jet Greaves

During the season, Tarasov was often left out of the lineup, while Jet Greaves — the team’s nominal third goalie — began to get more starts toward the end of the season.

Despite the tough competition for the Blue Jackets’ net, Tarasov says the goalie group supports each other: “We have a good relationship. At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal. Yes, we’re competing for one spot, but I always put the team’s success first. Maybe others see it differently, but for me, when the team wins, everyone benefits. The atmosphere is better, the mood improves, and everything becomes easier. That’s why we support each other, even while competing.”

Columbus came closer than ever to making the playoffs this season. The team stayed in the race until the final stretch, but in the end, lost the last playoff spot to the Montreal Canadiens.

“Overall, it was a better year. We were really close to making the playoffs. Still, the final result is disappointing — because we didn’t make it.”

Contract Talks and Support for Bobrovsky

Tarasov is currently in Russia but says he’s not considering a return to the KHL. He is fully focused on preparing for the next NHL season. His contract with the Blue Jackets is ending, but talks with the team have already started.

“Negotiations are ongoing. My agent is talking to the team’s management. There’s nothing concrete yet — just early discussions. The NHL season is still going, and the final is ahead. A lot will be decided later.”

Tarasov remains calm and focused on what he can control.

“I’m staying relaxed. It’s not in my hands. My job is to rest properly, prepare for next season, and come into training camp ready to show what I can do.”

He’s not even thinking about returning to Russia.

Tarasov is trying to follow the Stanley Cup Final, even though the time difference makes it hard. He’s rooting for the Florida Panthers — and especially Sergei Bobrovsky, with whom he shares a warm relationship:

“I’m cheering for Florida. For Sergei Bobrovsky.”

Remembering Gaudreau

On August 30, 2024, tragedy struck the hockey world. Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver during a bike ride. Tarasov was in Columbus at the time, preparing for the new season.

The team honored Gaudreau throughout the season — his jersey hung in the locker room before every game, and players wore a patch with his number, 13.

Those games were hard emotionally, for the whole team.”

“We wanted to play in a way that honored him and showed our love and respect for him and his family. That motivated us during some of the tough moments we had throughout the season,” Tarasov added.