The Russian winger the perfect addition to the Edmonton Oilers' top-6 forward group.
The Russian winger the perfect addition to the Edmonton Oilers' top-6 forward group.
The Edmonton Oilers need to find a right winger to play in the top six for the 2023-24 season. Dylan Holloway is a good internal candidate. He showed well during his 51 games considering he only averaged 9:35 of time on ice per game. Because of the cap crunch the Oilers find themselves in, this would be the most cost effective option.
Is this the best move for the Oilers? Is there a free agent on the market who could potentially join the team and play in the top six? Enter Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko Is A Proven Sniper
Tarasenko has scored at least 20 goals in a season seven times in his 11 year career. Two of the four years he was limited to 34 games due to injury. He only played 38 games in his rookie season, and this year he was two goals shy of 20. Tarasenko loves to shoot the puck and has averaged over three shots per game over his career. The Oilers need more of that in their lineup to be a more dominant team.
Tarasenko's career average shooting percentage is 12.7%. Former Oiler Jordan Eberle has scored 20 or more goals in eight of his 13 NHL seasons, averaging a 12.9% shooting percentage.
Connection With Klim Kostin
Klim Kostin played 46 games with the St. Louis Blues across three seasons. He crossed paths with Tarasenko often. Both players are Russian, which is definitely a positive draw for Tarasenko to consider. Would Kostin's familiarity with Tarasenko make signing with the Oilers more appealing to his countryman?
According to Daily Faceoff's Top 50 Free Agent contract projections, Tarasenko could be looking for a three year $5M deal. Without moving salary, that is an impossible deal to make for the Oilers. If they trade Kailer Yamamoto they would increase their cap space to $9M. They may be forced to sign Evan Bouchard to a bridge deal for $4M, just to re-sign everyone they want. Could Kostin convince his old teammate to take a discount and play for a team with a shot at a Stanley Cup? A one year deal at $2.5-$3M would be ideal.
Potential Lineup Combinations
The Oilers already have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the top six. Here is one potential formation they could run:
RNH - McDavid - Tarasenko
Kane - Draisaitl - Hyman
That Draisaitl line could be strong with cycling the puck in the offensive zone. Tarasenko on McDavid's wing would be a dream scenario for both players.
Kane - McDavid - Hyman
RNH - Draisaitl - Tarasenko
From a pure shooting perspective, Tarasenko would be a massive upgrade on Yamamoto. It gives the best passer in the NHL a lethal one-timer threat if Draisaitl doesn't decide to shoot the puck himself.
The Oilers should do their due diligence and reach out to Tarasenko's representation. If there is mutual interest a deal should be explored. If Tarasenko wants to win another Cup, the Oilers may be his best bet.
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