Vladimir Tarasenko’s Free Agency Just Got Messy; Missed Boat on Good Offer

Vladimir Tarasenko is still looking for a team, and reportedly for an agent, too. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, it’s now surfacing that Tarasenko fired another agent and might have missed the boat on an offer from a team that may no longer be interested.

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LeBrun reports that the veteran winger and longtime agent Dan Milstein parted ways in late summer, and it’s unclear whether Tarasenko currently has representation. He has gone through several agents over the past four to five years. He’s been skating in Florida while he waits.

Interestingly, it was the Florida Panthers who made Tarasenko an offer this summer, but it was for no more than $850,000 because they had no cap space. Tarasenko turned it down, hoping to find a better fit.

On paper, he should be in demand. His 23 goals last season are the most among unrestricted free agents still on the market. LeBrun believes that Tarasenko should eventually land somewhere because teams are struggling to find goals. The problem is money. Not a lot of teams have it and for the Panthers, even with the injury to Brad Marchand, it’s not long-term, so they need to keep salary cap flexibility. Unless Tarasenko lowers his ask, he could be in trouble finding a place to play this season.

A return to Florida isn’t impossible, but LeBrun said it’s unlikely the Panthers circle back. Brad Marchand’s injury is expected to be weeks, not months. And, with Aleksander Barkov out six to eight weeks, Tarasenko would have to take the league minimum, assuming the Panthers were even still interested.

Frank Seravalli did note that the Calgary Flames might have a mild interest. “Patrik Laine isn’t the only free agent forward the Calgary Flames are in conversation with after a rough start to the season. He notes that several players are still unsigned: Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron, James van Riemsdyk, Jonathan Drouin.”

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Kings, Jets, Oilers & Maple Leafs