Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Tarasenko linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins

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Julien Trekker
July 3, 2024 (9:57)

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The 2024 Stanley Cup champion and UFA Vladimir Tarasenko was linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the free agent market.

While most of the top players on the market have already signed new contracts, there are still interesting players available. That's Vladimir Tarasenko's case, who just won the second Stanley Cup of his career, with the Florida Panthers.

Tarasenko, 32, scored 41 points in 57 games with the Ottawa Senators, as well as 14 points in 19 games with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. During the playoffs, he scored only nine points in 24 games, but his defensive skills were put to great use in the Panthers' playoff run.

A two-way forward, skilled and experienced like Tarasenko is, can still bring a lot to a team. He's coming off a one-year contract valued at $5M, and there's a case to be made for a possible raise.

However, Tarasenko hasn't signed a deal yet, meaning that he probably didn't get the offer he wanted.

A new report announced that the Pittsburgh Penguins showed interest in Tarasenko, but that he'd need to accept a pay cut from his previous contract.

Per Luke Fox:

"The Penguins are reportedly one of the clubs to make the UFA an offer, as Tarasenko should be prepared to accept a pay cut from the $5 million Ottawa Senators gave him last summer on July 27."

Fox also mentioned that a return to Florida could be possible for Tarasenko, but if it happens, it'll likely be later this summer.

Source: Markerzone
Tarasenko linked to Pittsburgh Penguins after leaving Florida Panthers