Former Red Wings forward lands on injury reserve with new team

Vladimir Tarasenko was traded away from the Detroit Red Wings organization midway through his two-year contract.

Indeed, Steve Yzerman decided to ship him away to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations to dump his $4.75M AAV salary in July following a disappointing year in Detroit that saw the forward tally only 33 points, including 11 goals, in 80 games.

This season, it hasn't been much better for Tarasenko in Minnesota. He did score 10 points in 18 games, but according to an official update from the organization, more bad luck came his way.

The Wild announced a few days ago that they placed the former Red Wings forward on the injured reserve due to a lower-body injury:

Tarasenko will become a free agent at the end of the current season, and unless he manages to return to the lineup and contribute for the team, it will be hard to deem him as a potential fit for any organization in the league.

The 33-year-old veteran won two Stanley Cups in his career, proving he knows what it takes to win, but if he can't do what it takes in a constantly evolving league, his days in the NHL could be counted.

Meanwhile, the Wild has been on a hot streak recently, winning their last five straight games, notably beating the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 last night.

Their standout rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt is one of the main reasons behind that success, with six wins, including three shutouts, in eight games, as well as a .935 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against average.

The team will be back in action Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.