There never was a real risk of Tarasenko falling out of favor with fans. He’s always maintained a great relationship with them, most recently by suggesting the media — not the agent who speaks on his behalf — created the offseason drama. (Hey, whatever works.) More at risk, and far more important, was Tarasenko’s relationship with his team and his teammates. Armstrong and Tarasenko talked before the season started. Blues coach Craig Berube cross-checked any idea of bad blood entering camp. Whatever fence-mending was required is holding up and looking strong.

Winning always helps, and Tarasenko certainly is helping in that department.

He arrived at camp in great shape. He has been active and aggressive in all phases of the game, investing in defense and sticking up for his teammates in shoving matches. He’s back to putting the power in power forward. Most importantly, he’s back to putting pucks in and around the net.

Eight points (four goals, four assists) in six games is a heck of a start for any player, let alone one under a microscope. Tarasenko had 14 points (and only four goals) in 24 games during his injury-shortened 2020-21 season. He’s already netted two game-winners, has scored at least one point in every game but one, and has a team-high 29 shots.

Tarasenko’s inspired play is making those in the organization have flashbacks to his 30-goal seasons, when the idea of trading him would have drawn laughs.