The Bruins have officially missed out on one of their top trade targets.
Over the last few days, the Boston Bruins were among the many teams linked to Vladimir Tarasenko. However, the star winger is officially not coming to Boston.
As reported by NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Ottawa Senators have traded Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun also added that Ottawa is getting back a 2024 fourth-round pick (will change to a 2026 third-round pick if Florida wins the Stanley Cup) and a 2025 third-round pick. The Sens are also retaining half of his salary.
The Panthers had been heavily linked to Tarasenko over the last few weeks, and they were his rumored preferred destination. Given the very small return the Senators got him, that checks out.
This is certainly not the best news for the Bruins. The Panthers are already ahead of them in the Atlantic Division standings, and now they have gotten even better with this Tarasenko addition. He will provide their top six with a significant boost.
Vladimir TarasenkoIn 57 games this season, Tarasenko has 17 goals, 41 points, and a plus-13 rating.