Detroit Red Wings open up $4.75M in cap space in significant trade with the Minnesota Wild
Photo credit: Octopus Thrower
The Vladimir Tarasenko era with the Red Wings is over, as he was traded by Detroit to the Minnesota Wild and helping to give Steve Yzerman more salary cap space.
After missing out on several top free agents last summer, the Red Wings swiftly signed Vladimir Tarasenko to a 2-year deal with an AAV (average annual value) of $4.75 million.
Things did not work out for Tarasenko with the Red Wings, as he scored just 11 goals despite being expected to easily top the 20-goal mark. Amidst rumors of potentially being bought out, the Red Wings have instead freed up more salary cap space.
Tarasenko has been traded to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations, with zero of his salary retained, meaning that Detroit just gained nearly $5 million more of space to utilize towards summer additions.
The Red Wings now have approximately $23 million of salary cap space, which now includes the contract of goaltender John Gibson, whom they acquired from the Anaheim Ducks over the weekend in exchange for Petr Mrazek.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman appeared to hint during his end-of-season news conference that they expected Tarasenko to rebound in '25-26, potentially leaving the door open for him to remain with the team.
I think (Tarasenko's) play was probably better than his production. I would say he was frustrated not being able to produce. And, I think that affected his attitude and affected his play.
You try to reassure him that you're doing a lot of good things out there and don't let the missed chances or the inability to score affect your play. I'm hopeful and expecting him to give us more than he did this year because I know we can. I believe he can give us more than what he showed this year.
Tarasenko was limited to just 33 points (11G, 22A) in 80 games, his 1st and only year in Detroit.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 164 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings open up $4.75M in cap space in significant trade with the Minnesota Wild Should the Red Wings have let Vladimir Tarasenko play out his contract? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 23.2 % |
| No | 126 | 76.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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