Career
Tarnasky was drafted in the 9th round, 287th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft. On September 29, 2008, Tarnasky was traded to the Nashville Predators for a conditional 6th round pick in the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft. On November 27, 2008, Tarnasky was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Wade Belak.
Nick Tarnasky was released from the Panthers in 2010 after the General Motors allowed his contract to expire.
After being cut, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Falcons. Tarnasky previously played with the Falcons from 2004 through 2006.
On July 3, 2011, he signed with Vityaz Chekhov of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. During the 2011-2012 season, Tarnasky scored 4 goals in 36 games.
On July 17, 2012, he returned to North America and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
He was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, for the duration of the 2012-2013 season. On July 6, 2013, Tarnasky left the Sabres as a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens. He was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs for the entirety of the 2013-2014 season.
On July 3, 2014, the New York Rangers signed Tarnasky as a free agent to a two-year, two-way deal.