Free agent forward Vladimir Tarasenko has a new contract. After spending the 2023-24 season split between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers, he chose to sign with the Red Wings. He is locked up for the next two years and will make $4.75 million per season.
Tarasenko Signs New Contract
Tarasenko is a veteran presence and a very good one. His ability to score goals and be a key contributor offensively is what this team is getting. After signing the one year deal with the Senators, he was then moved to the Panthers. With the Senators being out it made perfect sense, but he also delivered on his end.
Tarasenko did well with the Senators, as he scored 17 goals and 41 points. Once he got to the more high flying offence that is the Panthers, he was an over half point per game player. Tarasenko is a player you can plug on the top two lines and expect a boost in scoring.
The playoffs is where he is able to provide that extra layer and be a great player on a contender. Over his career he has 46 goals in 109 playoff games. This run with the Panthers, he had two goals and five points.
What This Contract Means for the Team
The Tarasenko contract makes sense for both sides. After going through the free agency process last season, he capitalizes on a longer term deal this year. He now has security and can finish out this later stage of his career.
As for the team, they are getting a player that can score goals and be a contributor offensively. Tarasenko is a player that can play in different situations and be a weapon. After an injury riddled season in 2020-21, Tarasenko went on to put up 82 points in 2021-22 and is coming off back to back 50 point years. For an extra layer of scoring and production this is a huge addition and the team becomes a stronger contender.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
