THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'A': Promising AHL Players Earn New Deals Vladimir Tarasenko [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5NjM0MTMzMDI1MDQwMDAw/usatsi_20205239.jpg] Vladimir Tarasenko Since changing agents on July 5 [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/free-agent-vladimir-tarasenko-hires-new-agents-amid-search-for-new-nhl-contract/], UFA Vladimir Tarasenko seems no closer to signing with a new NHL team. Tarasenko reportedly rejected multiple offers from several clubs believed to be worth between $5.5 million and $6 million per season. Rumors linked him [https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-latest-rumor-roundup-on-vladimir-tarasenko] to the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks. It's believed the 31-year-old right winger's new representatives reached out to those teams to restart contract talks. On July 15, the New York Post's Ethan Sears [https://nypost.com/2023/07/15/islanders-would-have-to-clear-salary-cap-hurdle-for-vladimir-tarasenko/] suggested Tarasenko might be a good target for the New York Islanders to bolster their scoring. A lack of salary cap space for the Isles, however, would be a significant obstacle. Sears proposed a couple of cost-cutting moves, including a possible trade of center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and his $5-million cap hit. A week later, Florida Hockey Now's George Richards [https://floridahockeynow.com/would-florida-panthers-make-run-at-free-agent-vladimir-tarasenko/] wondered if the Panthers might take a shot at landing Tarasenko. Given their salary-cap limitations, however, he believes the six-time 30-goal scorer would have to accept a one-year contract worth around $4 million and use that to parlay a bigger contract next summer, perhaps with the Panthers as a suitor. Tarasenko's problem is that just nine teams currently carry more than $5.5 million in cap space. Several of them, such as the Senators, also have RFAs to sign, which will further deplete their remaining cap dollars. This situation could reach a point where Tarasenko might not have much choice but to sign a one-year contract for less than those he recently rejected. A strong performance this season would boost his chances for a more lucrative deal under a much higher salary cap next summer.
