Free-Agent Vladimir Tarasenko Closing In On New Contract

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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The Florida Panthers may be bringing back a familiar face. According to multiple reports, the Florida Panthers continue to monitor the status of the free-agent forward, and there's been some speculation that they're working on a one-year deal. The Panthers are in a cap crunch, dealing with a few injuries, and have a need for Tarasenko to fill.
Elliotte Friedman: Vladimir Tarasenko, I had heard he might be going to Florida, obviously that hasn't happened; someone had said...if [Brad Marchand's injury] was longer, Tarasenko might've ended up there - FAN Hockey Show (9/21)

The Russian winger is one of many free agents who remain unsigned, in what's turned into a very stranger offseason for some players. Tarasenko along with Patrik Laine, Michael Bunting, and Logan Stanley, continue to lead the charge for players looking for work this season.

Tarasenko would return to Florida where he spent the 2023-24 season, winning the Stanley Cup. Tarasenko posted 14 points in 19 games with Florida after a trade from the Ottawa Senators, and chipped in with nine points in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games. 

Last season, the 34-year-old appeared in 75 games for the Minnesota Wild, scoring 23 goals and 47 points. He'd only contribute five points in 11 playoff games, and the Wild have since moved on with their forward group. 

Tarasenko and Artemi Panarin are extremely close and many felt they'd reunite this summer with Tarasenko having the power to move around the league, but unfortunately, the Los Angeles Kings haven't showed any interest in the left winger. The Edmonton Oilers have also been linked recently, so we'll have to wait and see how this plays out for the former all star.

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