Tarasenko was not supposed to be re-evaluated by the Blues until training camp.
"I just follow the instructions, just what the doctors say," Tarasenko said. "This last 3 1/2 months was pretty tough, both mentally and physically, too. Lots of rehab stuff, and it was the longest break ever between seasons (for me). But you just listen to the doctors and therapist and what they tell you and just follow the plan."
The Blues were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention with the loss to the Avalanche, who earned the second wild card from the Western Conference by one point over St. Louis (95-94). It was the first time in Tarasenko's six NHL seasons that the Blues did not make the playoffs.
"It's tough if the puck doesn't go in or you don't reach your team goals or whatever," Tarasenko said. "It's hard, but now you're more motivated, I think. I think that's everybody in this locker room. We just need to prove we're a good team in this league, and not only a good team, but the best team."
Tarasenko had 33 goals in 80 games in 2017-18, the fourth straight season he led the Blues in goals. His 66 points were second on St. Louis (Brayden Schenn, 70).
The Blues had a busy offseason, signing forwards Tyler Bozak, David Perron and Patrick Maroon, and acquiring center Ryan O'Reilly in a trade from the Buffalo Sabres.
"I think [the new players] will fit perfectly in our team, especially after last year's disappointment," Tarasenko said. "We have to play better to reach our goal, finally. ... It's going to be a fun year. I can't wait to get together with all the new guys and start the season."
The Blues open the season against the Winnipeg Jets at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on Oct. 4.
