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For the second year in a row, Vladimir Tarasenko may be traded midseason. The 32-year-old forward’s first season with the Ottawa Senators could end with him playing for a different team.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there is an expectation that the Senators will deal Tarasenko ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline for the 2023-24 season, which is Friday at 3 p.m. ET. Tarasenko has a no-trade clause in his contract, but it appears that may not be an issue as Ottawa potentially tests the market.
“Speaking to those close to him, Tarasenko is open to a trade and will waive his NTC for a [Stanley] Cup contender,” Pagnotta shared on X.
It makes sense that Tarasenko would be willing to do that. Because as things stand now, it’s highly unlikely Ottawa will be heading to the playoffs. The Sens have 53 points, which are the second fewest among Eastern Conference teams.
That’s also why they should look to move Tarasenko, who only signed a one-year deal worth $5 million with the team last offseason. It would be a good move for both sides.
Tarasenko can get an opportunity to win the second Stanley Cup of his 13-year NHL career (he previously won with the St. Louis Blues in 2019). Meanwhile, Ottawa could potentially acquire some additional draft capital in return.
After spending the first 10 1/2 seasons of his NHL career in St. Louis, Tarasenko switched teams for the first time in February 2023, when he was dealt to the New York Rangers. He didn’t get a long playoff run with the Rangers, though, as they were eliminated by the New Jersey Devils in the first round.
Then, Tarasenko signed with the Senators, who haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2016-17 season. They have a lot of talented young players, but they’re not at the level of postseason contention quite yet.
If the Senators shop Tarasenko (as they should), there would likely be plenty of interested suitors. Through 56 games this season, he has 16 goals and 24 assists. With 40 points, he has a chance to exceed his total from last season (50).
Perhaps a reunion with the Rangers could play out for Tarasenko. New York leads the Metropolitan Division with 83 points, but maybe it could see a benefit to re-adding Tarasenko to its offense.
Other Stanley Cup contenders that seem like they could be potential fits include the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators or New York Islanders. But it isn’t clear which teams could have interest in Tarasenko, so at this point, it’s all speculation regarding possible landing spots.
It would be quite surprising if the Senators opt to hold onto Tarasenko for the rest of the season, though. It makes too much sense for both sides to work out a trade within the next week.
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