Former Ottawa Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is on the move again.

Tarasenko was traded on Monday by the Detroit Red Wings to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations, marking the third NHL team he's joined since leaving Ottawa. Just two years ago, Tarasenko was a high-profile free-agent signing by then-Sens GM Pierre Dorion, landing in Ottawa on a one-year, $5 million deal to provide scoring punch and veteran leadership to a rebuilding roster.

A six-time 30-goal scorer, Tarasenko produced 41 points in 57 games during the 2023–24 season before being traded at the deadline to the Florida Panthers. While it was a tough loss for Sens fans, the move gave Tarasenko a chance to successfully chase the Stanley Cup that spring.

After his championship run, Tarasenko signed a two-year, $4.75 million per season contract with Detroit, where his production declined to just 33 points last season. But when you look at his most common linemates, his minutes, and his shooting percentage, none of them were elite, which suggests there's at least a little potential for a bounce-back.

Now 33, he has been moved again, this time to Minnesota for future considerations. Basically, the Wings are now free and clear of his contract to do other things, while the Wild are banking on Tarasenko bouncing back. It wouldn't be a shock to see the Wild try and get him going by pairing him with fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov. 

While it was disappointing for Sens fans to see Tarasenko leave at the time, it would appear, at least based on last season, that they may have ended up parting company with him at exactly the right moment.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News/Ottawa

Sens First-Round Selection Says He Models His Game After Jake Sanderson
Senators Acquire Defenseman Jordan Spence From Los Angeles
Senators Select Another Right Shot Defenseman In Round One Of 2025 Draft
Sens Nation Podcast: Breaking Down the Giroux and Spence Deals and the NHL Draft
Will the Sens Go Shopping For A New Backup Goalie?