The NHL’s overall leader, the Florida Panthers, have added some punch to their offense by acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators get two draft picks in return: a conditional fourth-round pick in 2024 (which will become a third-round pick in 2026 if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup), as well as a third-round selection in 2025.
The Canadian team will also retain 50% of the remaining salary of Tarasenko, who signed a one-season contract and 5 million US dollars last July with the Sens. The contract includes a no-trade clause.
Tarasenko thus goes from a club in difficulty in the East to a team that aspires to win the Stanley Cup. Tarasenko previously won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues.
“Vladimir is a very talented player and experienced scorer who will provide another dynamic offensive option for our team as we enter the home stretch of the campaign,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a press release. We are excited to welcome him to our team, and we look forward to competing for the Stanley Cup again. »
Finalists last year, the Panthers started Wednesday on a six-game winning streak and with a record of 43-16-4 (90 points), the best in the league.
In Tarasenko, the Panthers get a reliable forward for their first two lines who can help their offensive production. The team ranks ninth with 211 goals scored this season.
Aged 32, the skater from Yaroslavl has scored 17 goals and added 24 assists in 57 games this season. In 732 games with the Blues, the New York Rangers and the Sens, he scored 297 times in addition to being an accomplice on 328 occasions.
Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, the Senators have lost their last four games and are last in the Atlantic Division with a 25-31-3 record.