Vladimir Tarasenko, a veteran winger and two-time Stanley Cup champion, has joined his fifth team in as many years after being traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Minnesota Wild on Monday. The deal sent Tarasenko to Minnesota for future considerations.
Tarasenko signed with the Red Wings last summer, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $4.75 million annually. His season saw him finish with 11 goals and 33 points in 80 games, well below his previous performance levels. However, his play was reminiscent of his 2023-24 season with the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, where he scored 23 goals and 55 points.
The Wild entered the offseason in need of more goal-scoring production, having finished with the fewest goals among playoff teams last season. They lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round after falling in three consecutive one-goal games, including two in overtime. With $12.961 million in cap space opening Tuesday, Minnesota is expected to consider adding another forward.
The Red Wings move on from Tarasenko, gaining $23.161 million in cap space. Detroit is looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16 and has recently acquired goaltender John Gibson as part of its offseason overhaul.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45619223/after-record-lows-goals-scored-tarasenko-traded-wild