Russia’s rising ice hockey star Vladimir Tarasenko who signed an 8-year $60M contract with the St. Louis Blues, the richest contract in Blues history, has scored his 100th goal in his NHL career.

      Tarasenko helped his team beat the Canucks, blasting the rebound into the net past Ryan Miller.

      “Tarasenko, who recently got married in Russia, has become a likable teammate and figure in St. Louis since his arrival three years ago. From a shy, boyish 20-year-old who was learning a new country and culture to a rising star in the NHL, his humble attitude regarding his play and numbers is what has made a lasting impression on his teammates,” according to NHL’s website.

      "One of the things I've noticed with Vlad since he's been here is this thirst to win outweighs everything else. He's a competitor. Obviously we know he loves to score goals, but he does think of the team above that. I think it's a testament to why he plays the game. ... We're investing in the person as much as we are the player, and I'm very comfortable in the person that he's going to give us everything that he has," said Doug Armstrong.

      Earlier this week, agent Mark Gandler made comments on the contract in his interview with Sovetsky Sport. “Tarasenko is one of the best players in NHL. But I would not sign this contract if I were his agent,” he told the media. Gandler said the contract should be signed for no more than four years so that you can later sign another long-term contract.

      Agent Mike Liut has defended Tarasenko’s decision. “I would advise Mr. Gandler to be more concerned about his own clients. Incidentally, I cannot recall anyone criticizing Mr. Gandler when he wrongly advised Alexei Yashin to demand Ottawa renegotiate his contract, which resulted in Alexei losing a season of NHL salary because he was forced to return to Ottawa a year later to complete his contract, or when Alexei’s NHL contract did not protect against the 2004-05 NHL lockout (most people expected a lockout) and Alexei lost $10M in salary.

      With contract negotiations, decisions are made, and it is unprofessional to comment on these decisions when you are not involved,” Liut said in a letter sent to the sports daily. “As for the future, we cannot predict where revenue and player salaries will be as much can happen over the next 4 to 8 years. As an example, historically the US stock market has had an average annual increase of approximately ten percent, but over the 10 years from 2000 – 2009, the US stock market lost value. NHL revenue and player salaries have risen significantly since the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, but with the Canadian and US TV contracts set for the next 8+ years, ticket prices and attendance at record levels (according to the NHL) and the Canadian dollar approximately 20+% below the US exchange rate of a year ago, we will not be surprised if NHL revenue remains within a tight range of its current levels for the foreseeable future. As an example the NBA salary cap (based on NBA revenue) in 2009 was $58,680,000 and six years later, in 2014, the cap was $58,679,000,” he explained the rationale behind the decision to sign the 8-year deal. Tarasenko and his family will return to St. Louis in August to begin his on-ice quest, one he won't rest on until it's accomplished at least once, or in his words, "Cups." The Blues lost to the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference First Round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. - See more at: http://www.russia-ic.com/sport/in_depth/2993/#.Vu7vCeJ95GE