Insider Links Red Wings' Vladimir Tarasenko To Former Team

On Feb. 8's episode of Sportsnet's Saturday Headlines, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko has come up in trade talks around the NHL.

Now, in his latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Friedman mentioned the Florida Panthers as a team that he could see making a push for Tarasenko again.

"I gotta think that, you know, Florida doesn't have a lot of flexibility. They don't have a lot to deal, and they don't have a lot of cap room," Friedman said. "But they know the player [Tarasenko]. That was actually the first thing I thought of when I got off the air. I bet, in particular, Tarasenko would probably love to go back there, too."

The Panthers acquired Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators this past season. The 33-year-old winger fit in nicely with the Cats, posting six goals and 14 points in 19 regular-season games following the move. He also has five goals, nine points, and a plus-4 rating in 24 playoff games for the Panthers during their Stanley Cup championship run.

The Panthers would need to get creative to bring Tarasenko back, but there could be a good match here if they get it done. He would give Florida's middle six a nice boost, which is something they could use.