Oilers Face Competition for Tarasenko as Panthers Now Frontrunners

The 32-year-old Russian has become a hot commodity, with several Stanley Cup hopefuls, including Carolina and Florida, expressing interest in acquiring his talents. And, the Senators aren’t reportedly asking for a lot in return. The going rate is speculated to be a second-round pick and a prospect, well within what the Oilers and others can afford.

But, does Tarasenko only have his eyes set on Florida? Or would Edmonton be as attractive a destination?

Tarasenko Controls His Trade Deadline Fate

Tarasenko, who rejected Carolina last summer before signing with Ottawa, might not want to go to the Hurricanes. But, there are still plenty of teams looking to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. With the expectation that the Senators will deal him before the deadline, the veteran forward, set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, holds a significant say in his destination due to a full no-trade clause.

If he doesn’t want to go to Edmonton, he won’t. But, earlier reports indicated that he’d be open to it.

Sources indicate that up to five or six teams, including the Panthers, Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Edmonton Oilers, are vying for Tarasenko. The Panthers, with their impressive performance this season, emerge as a high-ranking possibility for the skilled forward. Tarasenko has an off-season property there. It’s also a state with no-tax state and Tarasenko is looking to sign an extension. They have more cap room than the Oilers do, and that will help as no salary retention would be a deal-breaker.

While Ottawa seeks a second-round pick and a prospect in return, Tarasenko’s NTC gives him the authority to choose the team that aligns best with his preferences. There would be a lot to like about the Oilers, including playing with Leon Draisaitl. That said, every team has talent. As the trade negotiations unfold, the Oilers, eyeing Tarasenko to address their struggles, may face stiff competition from the Panthers, making the race for the Russian forward one to watch in the days leading up to the deadline.