Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko is keeping his options open

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Vladimir Tarasenko tries to ignore the noise.

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The Ottawa Senators winger has not heard of any discussions about his future with the team and told reporters Monday that his only focus is preparing for Tuesday's matchup with the Columbus Blue Jets.

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“I don't think about it,” Tarasenko said Monday after the club's skate at the Canadian Tire Centre. “I think about tomorrow's game, I think about things today. If you focus too much on the past and the future, you will only lose the present, lose excitement, and become stressed every time.

“I might think about it sometimes, but mostly I just put it away and try to prepare for the upcoming games.”

Tarasenko said there's no point in wasting time or energy with the NHL trade deadline set for March 8 at 3 p.m. ET. After Saturday's 5-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators are 7-2-2 in their last 11 games, but they are still expected to be sellers.

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“I think the biggest part is don't read the experts online, you know? I don't go online. I don't read hockey news,” said Tarasenko. “There are many people, many opinions.

“I know a lot of guys like to read it and they take it (personally), but I think you basically have to focus on yourself and do the best you can in your situation and the rest is up to you. »

An unrestricted free agent with a full no-trade clause (NTC), Tarasenko did not rule out the possibility of staying with the Senators, but would not say if he had discussed the situation with the club's president of hockey operations, Steve Staios. and general manager.

“This question should be asked by the children (Stayos),” said Tarasenko. “I like to keep it behind the door. As I said before, I just have to focus on the next game and prepare for it.”

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Last year, Tarasenko was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers at the deadline and performed well in the playoffs. He would be an attractive option for a prospect looking for help, and Tarasenko has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers.

After changing agents last July and signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Senators, he took another step in representation over the weekend by hiring Newport Sports agent Craig Oster.

While Oster now represents seven players in the organization, including captain Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Erik Brannstrom, Tyler Kleven, Lassie Thomson and Jiri Smeikal, Tarasenko may not make the move to sign an extension with the Senators.

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This is Tarasenko's fourth agent in the last three years.

A league insider told Postmedia last week that Tarasenko is headed that way, so if he opts out to replace NTC, he could be under contract before the trade deadline.

“This is just a decision I made with my family. I will not say anything good or bad,” said Tarasenko. “We feel like this is what's best for our family. It's hard for both sides, it's over and we have to move on.”

Tarasenko did not refuse to sign an extension agreement with the senators. He scored 14 goals and 34 points in 36 games this season.

“When negotiations begin, of course, we will consider all options,” Tarasenko said. “Like I said, you guys are looking for something, but there's nothing. We will focus on tomorrow's game. We had a good game last game and it was fun as you asked before, enjoy the moment.”

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Tarasenko fits well with the group here. He was good at both ends of the ice and found good chemistry with Shane Pinto. Tarasenko's teammates say he was nice to be around and fit in well.

“I have good guys (here),” Tarasenko said. “I really like guys. They are very funny. I think it's a very tight group. I always thought more about the people around you than here.

“I was lucky with Blues and Rangers, I had good people around me. That's exactly what it is. There are many people willing to help. … I like it.”

McEwen STARTED

Senators are making room Anton Forsberg coming off the long-term injured reserve list and serving as backup goaltender for Ottawa's game against Columbus.

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The club rejected the tough winger Zach McEwen On Monday, if he is cleared by 2 p.m. Tuesday, he will be sent to the Senators' American Hockey League affiliate in Bellville to take his $775,000 salary off the books.

Forsberg missed 11 games with a right hip injury, but the club did not remove him from the long-term injury list and dressed Saturday. Kevin Mandoles as a backup goalkeeper.

Forsberg is worth $2.75 million, and the club only had $1.2 million as of Monday's 5 p.m. The Senators are also sending Mandolese to Belleville to take his $775,000 salary off the books.

In another injury alert, quarterback Jake Sanderson Went on a short skate on Monday, but will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury.

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