The Detroit Red Wings added some championship pedigree to their roster on Wednesday. The franchise announced they had reached a two-year deal with free agent forward Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko, fresh from a Stanley Cup title run with the Florida Panthers, will receive an annual salary of $4.75 million while with the Red Wings.
The Red Wings have been on the market for an offensive boost after previously moving on from important contributors like Daniel Sprong and David Perron. And while Tarasenko is two seasons removed from his last 30+ goals campaign, he should still be able to provide them just that.
Detroit been having a busy offseason even before adding Tarasenko. They bring back several of their free agents including Christian Fischer, signed the likes of Erik Gustafsson and Cam Talbot in free agency, and re-signed former Hart Memorial Trophy-winner Patrick Kane.
Vladimir Tarasenko spent his first 10 and half years in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues, helping the franchise to win the Stanley Cup in 2019 while receiving three All-Star selections. He was traded to the New York Rangers midway through the 2022-23 season before hitting free agency.
Tarasenko initially entered the 2023-24 as a member of the Ottawa Senators. He played 57 games with the franchise before being traded once again, this time to the Florida Panthers. The addition of Tarasenko proved crucial for the Panthers’ Stanley Cup win as he provided five goals and added four assists for nine points in 24 games.
