Barry Trotz made early moves in free agency, but the new Predators GM could be eyeing Vladimir Tarasenko as well.
Barry Trotz made early moves in free agency, but the new Predators GM could be eyeing Vladimir Tarasenko as well.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes that the Nashville Predators may be a team that is in the mix when it comes to signing UFA Vladimir Tarasenko. In a conversation with NHL Tonight, Friedman speculated that the Russian winger could end up signing a one year deal with a team like Ottawa, Carolina, San Jose, or Nashville.
"I think those are kinds of some of the teams that have shown the most interest," Friedman said. "From what I understand, that's kind of the group that's been in it."
Nashville has the cap space to sign the 50 point scorer from last season, and if it is true Tarasenko may be looking for a one year deal, Nashville could make an offer worth considering.
"I think Tarasenko is kind of waiting to see what's the best possible deal he can get and what's the best possible fit he can get," continued Friedman.
Nashville already signed former teammate Ryan O'Reilly to a four year deal. Perhaps reuniting with his fellow Stanley Cup winner and former captain might entice Tarasenko to consider a one year deal with the Predators.
Financially, the Preds are in a position to make Tarasenko an interesting short term offer. Tarasenko is coming off an 8 year, $60 million dollar deal signed in 2015 with the St. Louis Blues before being traded to the New York Rangers in February. It has been an important offseason for Tarasenko as he looks for his next landing spot. Last week it was announced that the 31 year old winger hired new agents JP Barry and Pat Brisson of CAA.
Signing Tarasenko for a one year deal could be a compelling move from Nashville's perspective. Adding Tarasenko, who finished last season with 21 points in 31 games for the Rangers, could help speed up the road back to contention, and if he isn't a long term player for the Preds, Nashville would have a beneficial trade piece at the deadline next season.
The front office has talked up a youth movement and a reset but then added veterans O'Reilly, Luke Schenn, and Gustav Nyquist. If bringing in the 31 year old takes away an opportunity for ice time from a player like Luke Evangelista, Preds fans may have questions about what Barry Trotz means when he calls Nashville's next few seasons a "reset".
With several other teams like Carolina, Ottawa, Florida, and San Jose allegedly in the Tarasenko mix, it isn't a done deal that he will end up in Nashville.
"I think Nashville's been in and out," Friedman said of the Predators' interest in Tarasenko.
Barry Trotz may take calls on Tarasenko, but Nashville fans will have to wait and see what decision Tarasenko makes.
DeBrincat to Detroit: Nashville Is Better Off