Senators Trade Vladimir Tarasenko to Panthers

One of the NHL's top trade targets is off of the board, as the Ottawa Senators have traded Vladimir Tarasenko (50% salary retained) to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick. The 2024 fourth-round pick will change to a 2026 third-round pick if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.

Tarasenko traded to the Florida Panthers. Draft picks expected return.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 6, 2024

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported leading up to this move that talks between the Senators and Panthers centering around Tarasenko were intensifying. There were plenty of rumblings about the Panthers being big suitors in the Tarasenko sweepstakes, and now the move has come to fruition.

There is no question that the Panthers could use a player like Tarasenko. Their top six needed a boost, and he will surely provide them with just that now that he is heading to Florida. This is because he is still an impactful sniper who is once again having a strong season in 2023-24.

It is important to note that Tarasenko's expected preference was to join the Panthers, too. He had a full no-trade clause, and he used it to his advantage.

The Senators also made the right move trading Tarasenko, as he is a pending UFA, and they are well out of the playoff race. Now, they are landing some draft picks, which is never a bad thing for a struggling club.

Tarasenko, 32, has appeared in 57 games this season with the Senators, where he has 17 goals to go along with 41 points and a plus-13 rating.