3 Free-Agent Destinations for Vladimir Tarasenko

The NHL's free-agent market is certainly much thinner than it was a week ago, but that doesn't mean there isn't proven veteran talent available. Free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko continues to be one of the better forwards left unsigned, and many are expecting to see the Russian forward sign a contract within the next week.

Tarasenko spent the past season with the Minnesota Wild and had a decent year, appearing in 75 games, scoring 23 goals, and adding 24 assists, for 47 points. He'd chip in with another five points in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Tarasenko's dressed in 906 regular season NHL games, a career so far, that spans across the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and Wild. It's interesting to see that after almost a decade with the Blues, Tarasenko hasn't stayed with another team for longer than one season. 

As far as potential destinations go, the Edmonton Oilers continue to be a frontrunner, but there's some in the industry who feel Tarasenko isn't interested in playing for Mike Babcock. Recently, Lyle Richardson of the Hockey News commented on Tarasenko's future and had this to say:

Turning to the Edmonton Oilers, they could use another top-six winger for their second line.One option could be Vladimir Tarasenko. The 34-year-old right winger is still available in the UFA market. He's coming off a solid season with the Minnesota Wild, with 23 goals and 47 points in 75 regular-season games and five points in 11 playoff contests. Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal believes Tarasenko could be a good fit with the Oilers. However, his colleague Jim Matheson disagreed, citing the winger's lack of footspeed and likely unwillingness to accept a low-cost $2 million offer.

If the Oilers don't solidify the deal, look for the St. Louis Blues to circle the waters on a potential reunion, as they continue their retool and have $10.2 million in cap space to work with. Another team to consider for Tarasenko would be the Pittsburgh Penguins. They continue to have dialogue with the Dallas Stars on Jason Robertson, but see Tarasenko as a great plan-B. The Pens have lots to offer Tarasenko, including several Russian forwards who he's very familiar with, on and off the ice.