Posted June 22nd at 3:00pm.

After over six million votes were cast we now have a winner! We are proud to unveil St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko as the global cover athlete for NHL 17, which was first revealed at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 22.

For the four-year veteran, Tarasenko’s path to the cover wasn't easy. After defeating Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman in the first round, he squeaked by former Art Ross winner and Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn.