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Red Wings could find a new way to bid goodbye to Vladimir Tarasenko
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The Detroit Red Wings are tied to Vladimir Tarasenko, who has underperformed, for another year after this one - but if there are no trade partners, what's next?
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman signed 2-time Stanley Cup champion forward Vladimir Tarasenko after missing out on his alleged top target in Steven Stamkos.
And while Tarasenko's numbers haven't been what they once were during his years with the St. Louis Blues, the Red Wings still expected much more out of him than the 7 goals that he's scored in 53 games.
Tarasenko has been included in recent trade rumours, but other teams may shy away from acquiring him thanks to the 2nd year of his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $4.75 million.
Per Ansar Khan of MLive, Yzerman could consider a contract buyout of Tarasenko if he's unable to find any trade partners.
Tarasenko has been moved prior to each of the past two trade deadlines (the Blues sent him to the Rangers in 2023) but was playing much better on those occasions.
As much as the Red Wings might want to part with Tarasenko, it's unlikely general manager Steve Yzerman will relinquish a high draft pick or decent prospect to get it done.
If the Red Wings can't unload him by the March 7 trade deadline, he would be a prime buyout candidate in June. It would cost the club $1.583 million against the cap for each of the next two seasons. It would be worth it because it would create a spot in the top nine for a younger player or a more productive free agent.
In any event, it's difficult to imagine the Red Wings expecting different results by keeping Tarasenko on their roster next season at $4.75 million.
As much as the Red Wings might want to part with Tarasenko, it's unlikely general manager Steve Yzerman will relinquish a high draft pick or decent prospect to get it done.
If the Red Wings can't unload him by the March 7 trade deadline, he would be a prime buyout candidate in June. It would cost the club $1.583 million against the cap for each of the next two seasons. It would be worth it because it would create a spot in the top nine for a younger player or a more productive free agent.
In any event, it's difficult to imagine the Red Wings expecting different results by keeping Tarasenko on their roster next season at $4.75 million.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14 | 150 ANSWERS Red Wings could find a new way to bid goodbye to Vladimir Tarasenko If the Red Wings can't find a trade partner for Vladimir Tarasenko, do you want Steve Yzerman to buy out his deal? | ||
| Yes | 90 | 60 % |
| No, give him another shot next year | 60 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||