3 Free-Agent Destinations for Vladimir Tarasenko

The NHL free agency period opens on July 1 as teams across the league will try and re-tool on the fly and land some talent to improve their roster for the 2023-24 season. As far as big names go, this may be one of the lesser classes we've seen in the past five seasons or so, but there are still a few gamebreakers among the mix. Insert Vladimir Tarasenko. The longtime St Louis Blue turned New York Ranger hits the open market and is expected to hear from at least these three teams:

New Jersey Devils

The Devils are on the rise and are one of the best young teams in the league. They impressed a ton during the 2022-23 season and expectations will be very high heading into next season. The Devils have plenty of cap space and will be aggressive again this summer. Look for the team to contact Tarasenko and engage in contract talks as New Jersey will be looking for more scoring on the wings and could be losing Tomas Tatar and Miles Wood. Tarasenko loved his time in New York, however the Rangers will be in tough considering their cap situation; the Devils could be a great consolation prize. 

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes had some horrible injury luck this season and once again fell short of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. With enough cap space and a serious need for a gamebreaker, adding the proven Tarasenko could be a great fit for their hockey club. Rod Brind'Amour will make sure the effort is there. Keep an eye on the 'Canes, this could be a perfect match.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are going to try hard to move Mikael Granlund this summer after Ron Hextall made a point of going against what Mike Sullivan wanted before last trade deadline. If the Pens don't bring back Jason Zucker they are going to be desperate for help at left wing. Tarasenko playing with his friend Evgeni Malkin could be a fun duo to watch in Pittsburgh next season and beyond.

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