NHL Rumors: 2 Teams Closing In On Signing Vladimir Tarasenko

The market is starting to heat up a bit for one of the best free agents still available, Vladimir Tarasenko. As it's now a few days into free agency, teams have got their guys already, narrowing the options for the Russian sniper to sign. But two teams who are still looking to add scoring to their top-six include the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators, both who David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said are in pursuit. He also noted that Tarasenko is nearing a decision on where he's going to sign.

If it's a matter of who can win, I think the Hurricanes have the edge if we're talking about just them and the Senators. The Hurricanes got close last season again, but were decimated by injuries, leading to their downfall. Although not the healthiest player recently, Tarasenko can still score and put up points. Many know how the Hurricanes love a good deal on a player. They must be careful with the term though as many of their big name guys need contracts after the season. This is something general manager Don Waddell is likely also trying to work on this offseason.

The best course of action for the Senators is to trade Alex Debrincat before they lose all value for him by the end of next season when he becomes a UFA. They are actively trying to move him, so they would be able to offer the term on a Tarasenko contract the Hurricanes might not be willing to. If DeBrincat's money comes off the books, the Senators will have more than enough to bring in the sniper for a few seasons to help get them back in a playoff spot and then push through a few rounds.