3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Vladimir Tarasenko

Florida Panther winger Vladimir Tarasenko is just one win away from hoisting another Stanley Cup. Although he's a big piece of the Panthers' success this season, there's big changes coming in Florida this summer, with or without a Cup victory.

GM Bill Zito is in a bit of a cap crunch this offseason and will have to showcase where his priorities lie, which are likely within Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour before Tarasenko.

Here's three teams Tarasenko could wind up signing wtih:

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are open to signing a slew of veteran talent this summer, they just aren't open to handing out long-term deals. They want to keep Connor Bedard's next contract as priority and they also want to surround him with proven NHL talent. Tarasenko would give him a scoring winger to play with and give Tarasenko a chance to case in on a two-year deal this offseason.

Nashville Predators

The Preds need offense is the worst way and GM Barry Trotz has admitted he's looking to build a second line this offseason. Tarasenko fits the bill as someone who makes a ton of sense for Nashville. It's a warm climate, no income tax, a lot of similarities to Florida. The Preds surprised last season and adding a player of Tarasenko's caliber could be a huge boost to their offence. Trotz has a ton of cap space to work with so they will certainly be interested.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are a bit of a mess right now as Rob Blake looks horrible after dealing a ton of assets to Winnipeg just to trade Pierre-Luc Dubois one year later. Regardless, the Kings will move on and have cap space this summer and a need to add up front. Viktor Arvidsson is on the way out and LA will need a winger who can score. Tarasenko is one of the best on the market this summer and will likely be interested in the Kings because they are win-now and it's sunny California.