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.
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