NHL Trade Deadline: Florida Panthers Acquire Russian professional ice hockey Right winger
Many fans had hoped that the Panthers would maintain their roster stability heading into the deadline due to their excellent team chemistry and playoff-ready performance, currently leading the NHL by three points over Vancouver and Boston, with an extra game in hand.
Although not a pressing need for Florida, General Manager Bill Zito had different intentions, as the team announced today that they have acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa in exchange for a 2024 conditional 4th round pick and a 2025 3rd round pick.
If Florida clinches the Stanley Cup this season, the 2024 pick will convert to a 2026 3rd round pick. Ottawa will also retain 50% of Tarasenko’s contract, while Will Lockwood has been placed on waivers.
Originally drafted in the first round in 2010 by the St. Louis Blues, Tarasenko played a crucial role in the Blues’ Stanley Cup victory during the 2018-2019 season. With 97 career playoff games under his belt, Tarasenko has scored 44 goals and accumulated 64 points.
He has participated in four NHL All-Star games, including three consecutive appearances from 2015 to 2017, as well as the 2023 All-Star Game held in South Florida. Zito expressed, “Vladimir is a highly skilled and experienced scoring winger who provides our club with another dynamic offensive option as we embark on the remainder of our season.
” In the current season with the Senators, Tarasenko has gathered 41 points in 57 games, including 17 goals and a impressive +13 rating. Notably, Tarasenko has shared the ice with Niko Mikkola in St. Louis and has played alongside Sergei Bobrovsky and Dmitry Kulikov on various Russian National Teams.
