The Detroit Red Wings have inked a two-year deal with right-winger Vladimir Tarasenko worth an average of $4.75 million per year. Tarasenko, a recent Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers, contributed 23 goals and 32 assists in 76 games for the team, helping secure their first-ever franchise title.
The Panthers, who topped the Atlantic Division with 110 points, were rivals of the Red Wings, who finished with 91 points. Tarasenko had previously won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
The acquisition of Tarasenko marks a significant move for the Red Wings, who had been relatively quiet in free agency. They also traded Robby Fabbri to the Anaheim Ducks along with a conditional fourth-round draft pick for goaltender Gage Alexander, freeing up $4 million in salary cap space to
accommodate Tarasenko’s contract. With around $20 million left in cap space, the Red Wings aim to re-sign their restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, alongside any other potential signings planned by GM Steve Yzerman.
Tarasenko’s trade to the Panthers from the Ottawa Senators at the 2023 NHL trade deadline brought scoring depth to the team. Yzerman praised Tarasenko’s ability to mentor and enhance the Red Wings’ playoff competitiveness, citing his distinct playing style compared to the team’s current wingers like Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat.
Furthermore, young talent like Jonatan Berggren, who has excelled on both wings, adds depth to the Red Wings’ lineup. Berggren, alongside Seider and Raymond, received qualifying offers, indicating the team’s commitment to their promising youth.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Red Wings anticipate a revamped roster with Tarasenko’s addition and pending extensions for Seider and Raymond. With a full season from Alex DeBrincat, they aim to return to Stanley Cup playoff contention following a near miss in the previous season.
