Why Tarasenko is likely heading out the door at this week's trade deadline. At the moment, all signs point to Vladimir Tarasenko not being a member of the Ottawa Senators after this Friday's NHL Trade Deadline. Here are three potential landing spots for the skilled Russian winger. 1. Edmonton Oilers Proposed trade: To Edmonton: Tarasenko (50% retained) To Ottawa: A 2024 first-round pick and F Mattias Janmark As Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl prepare to enter the final two years of their contracts, it is “win-now” territory for the Oilers. A team in that mode can always use another impact sniper. Meanwhile, for the Senators, it provides them with their third first-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft. They need to stockpile assets and infuse some good young players into one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL. Janmark is a throwaway to help make the cap work for the Oilers. He's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. 2. New York Rangers Proposed trade: To New York: Tarasenko (50% retained) To Ottawa: 2024 2nd round pick and W Kaapo Kakko. Déjà vu all-over again, with the Rangers adding Vladimir Tarasenko once again at the deadline. This time, as we're spitballin' trade ideas, they will give up a second round pick and a former second overall pick that has fallen out of favour in New York. Tarasenko adds more goal scoring depth to a team that's top heavy in that department. Meanwhile, the Senators get another pick in the 2024 draft while also taking a flyer on a former second overall pick. Kakko seems doomed to struggle in New York and could use a change of scenery. His $2.1 million contract helps expedite the deal for both sides. 3. Carolina Hurricanes Proposed trade: To Carolina: Tarasenko (50% retained) To Ottawa: A 2024 second round pick, 2024 third round pick and W Brendan Lemieux. Carolina has perennially been a team that can shut you down defensively, but they're not that deep in goal scorers. Tarasenko would help in that area. We already know Carolina was one of the contenders for Tarasenko’s services in the summer until he decided to sign with the Senators. Meanwhile, the Senators continue to add draft assets while adding pending UFA Brendan Lemieux just to help with the cap (and to rekindle his friendship with Brady Tkachuk). All in all, this deal has some bite to it. The Senators get draft capital and Carolina adds a goal-scorer that they desperately need.
