Tarasenko on long-term commitment to Blues: 'There was no other option'

It's been nothing but love for Vladimir Tarasenko.

Newly wed, and now newly signed to the richest contract in franchise history at eight years and $60 million, Tarasenko told reporters in a conference call Wednesday there was no alternative to re-upping with St. Louis Blues.

"When you and your family love St. Louis, there was no other option," he said via the team's official Twitter account.

Tarasenko scored 37 goals and 73 points in the final season of his entry-level contract, production that allowed him to bypass a short-term agreement to determine his long-term worth.

Most indications suggest the Blues' investment in the offensive dynamo won't prove misguided, and his desire to continue working is consistent with that notion.

"I have worked all my life to get this deal. I'm not stupid (enough) to stop working and stop improving myself. My grandfather told me it doesn't matter how many goals you score. You have to get better every year," Tarasenko said.

"All I'm dreaming about is winning a Stanley Cup," he added.

He ain't lying. Rather than being on a honeymoon six days after his wedding - spending the $60 million before he signed for it - Tarasenko was driving to and from the practice rink in Russia as the agreement was finalized.