After securing the Stanley Cup, Vladimir Tarasenko is unlikely to return to the Florida Panthers, with the Pittsburgh Penguins now seen as leading contenders for his services.
While Vladimir Tarasenko's status as an elite sniper has diminished, he remains a highly competent NHL player who played a pivotal role in securing the Florida Panthers' first-ever Stanley Cup victory.
In a recent article from The Athletic, top remaining free agents were connected to potential teams. Tarasenko, notably, has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where a reunion with fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin and the opportunity to play alongside Sidney Crosby, with Kris Letang setting him up, could be on the horizon. Should Kyle Dubas manage to secure this deal, it could prove to be a seamless fit.
The 23-goal, 55-point winger may have shifted from a top-six to a middle-six threat into his 30s, but Tarasenko is still a shooting threat with a better defensive conscience than he gets credit for.
Surely, the Russian would be amenable to remaining in Florida, where he hoisted a second Stanley Cup skating on the third line, but GM Bill Zito is being prudent with his budget.
The Penguins are reportedly one of the clubs to make the UFA an offer, as Tarasenko should be prepared to accept a pay cut from the $5 million Ottawa Senators gave him last summer... on July 27.
