Last season, Vladimir Tarasenko was one of the biggest names on the trade market. The New York Rangers shelled out for the veteran winger, sending the St. Louis Blues a first-round draft pick as part of the return.
With the Ottawa Senators all but assured of missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, Tarasenko could once again be moved by the March 8 deadline.
“It’s certainly something we’ll continue to take a look at,” Senators general manager Steve Staios told reporters last week.
Although the Senators are unlikely to receive a haul like that of the Blues, Staios could still net a valuable asset for Tarasenko, who has 13 goals and 32 points in 44 games this season. (Tarasenko has a no-trade clause in his expiring contract, so he would have to approve any deal.)
Tarasenko, 32, does not generate offence like he used to; his 2.49 scoring chances per 20 minutes in all situations rank 131st out of 457 forwards who have played at least 100 minutes. (Two seasons ago, Tarasenko averaged 4.02 chances per 20, second only to Auston Matthews.)
Tarasenko’s shot remains impressively accurate, though. He has scored on 8.5 per cent of his total attempts — 57th among 264 forwards who have taken at least 100 shots.
The six-foot-one, 219-pounder knows where to go to score goals, attempting 56.9 per cent of his shots from the slot. Nine of his 13 goals have come from there.
At this stage of his career, Tarasenko is not a game-breaking forward, but more of a complementary player who can contribute in the middle six and on the power play. His 64 points in 97 career playoff games and championship experience will not be overlooked by potential suitors.
Could the Rangers be interested in a reunion? The Metropolitan Division leaders need a right winger to play with Mika Zibanejad, who has spent most of his time this season with Blake Wheeler. Zibanejad and Tarasenko meshed well; New York outscored opponents 14-9 at 5-on-5 during the regular season when they were on the ice.
The Carolina Hurricanes, who are two points behind the Rangers, reportedly pursued Tarasenko before he signed with the Senators. Their inability to finish on their chances has doomed them in the past.
If he wants it, Tarasenko should have an opportunity to play for a contender.
