NHL Rumors: 2 Teams Linked to Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the biggest names who could enter the free-agent market on July 1. As a result, there are already teams expected to pursue him this summer if the New York Rangers are unable to re-sign him. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are two of them.

The Capitals are desperately looking to turn things around after their disappointing 2022-23 season. Missing the playoffs has become quite a rarity for this Caps club, and they are expected to make changes this summer because of it. Bringing in a top-six forward like Tarasenko could be the exact boost that the Capitals need to turn things right around next year.

Just like the Capitals, the Penguins are hoping to get back into the playoffs next season. They also have a ton of money to work with, so they have the potential to bring Tarasenko in with ease. He would be an upgrade over pending UFA Jason Zucker and could be the perfect linemate for star center Evgeni Malkin.

It will be intriguing to see if either of these clubs can successfully sign the veteran winger from here. They will have plenty of teams to go up against.