Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the top free agents still available, but do the front-runners have the cap space to sign him?

It's been a week since Vladimir Tarasenko surprised observers by changing agents just days after the free-agent market opened on July 1. The Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators were among the clubs linked to the 31-year-old winger in the rumor mill.

Tarasenko had reportedly received multiple offers of varying lengths worth between $5.5 million and $6 million but rejected them all before firing his agent. It's believed his new representatives have reached out to those teams.

The New York Post's Larry Brooks reports Tarasenko rejected a multi-year deal with the Hurricanes worth an average annual value of $5.5 million. It was among what Brooks called “four solid offers from clubs in varying stages of contention.”

During his July 7 appearance on NHL Network, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported hearing the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators had an interest in Tarasenko. However, the limited cap space among NHL teams and questions about the winger's performance over the last two seasons have made it difficult for him to find a suitable market for his services.

The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch writes the Senators could have the cap space to sign Tarasenko to a short-term contract after trading Alex DeBrincat to the Detroit Red Wings. He claimed they and the Hurricanes were the front-runners for the sniper before his change of agents and remain in the mix.

With 24 teams carrying less than $6 million in cap space for 2023-24, per PuckPedia, Tarasenko won't have many options if he's hoping to land a lucrative long-term contract. Some observers believe he might have to accept a one-year deal for around $5.5 million in the hope of cashing in next summer when the salary cap is expected to increase significantly.