Divisional rivals make a massive trade gamble that could haunt the Avalanche next season
Photo credit: Matt Blewett / Imagn Images
Vladimir Tarasenko is set to join his sixth team in just the past two and a half years.
The Minnesota Wild acquired Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings on Monday in a trade involving future considerations.
Avalanche divisional rival go all-in on a veteran superstar.
Dylan Loucks from Yahoo Sports writes that it's a classic low-risk, high-reward move, especially if Tarasenko can rediscover his old form. The 6-foot forward has racked up 304 goals, 358 assists, and 662 points over 831 career NHL games. He's coming off a somewhat disappointing season with the Red Wings after signing a two-year deal with the club.
"He is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and previously won the Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024. He had five goals and nine points in 24 playoff games that year. In 2019, Tarasenko won the cup with the St. Louis Blues. He had 11 goals and 17 points in 26 playoff games that year." -Loucks
Tarasenko, 33, tallied 11 goals and 33 points during the 2024-25 season with Detroit, finishing the year with a -13 rating.
"The Wild currently have 12 NHL forwards under contract following the Tarasenko trade. Tarasenko is the fourth-highest paid forward on the team. Restricted Free Agent Marco Rossi does not have a contract currently. PuckPedia has the Wild at just under $13 million in cap space." -Loucks
Still, it's clear that Minnesota have plenty of work ahead of them this offseason. Whether star RFA Marco Rossi will be on the Wild's roster next season remains uncertain, but addressing the need for a fourth-line center is expected to also be a key focus for the team this offseason.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 5 | 24 ANSWERS Divisional rivals make a massive trade gamble that could haunt the Avalanche next season Will the Minnesota Wild be a top team in the Central Division next season? | ||
| yes | 5 | 20.8 % |
| no | 19 | 79.2 % |
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