NHL Rumors: Third team could help facilitate a Vladimir Tarasenko trade; and latest on Sens’ Brady Tkachuk
Anthony Scultore
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The Blues are still working on moving Vladimir Tarasenko but things became harder recently. Two teams rumored to be interested no longer have the cap space in the Carolina Hurricanes and NY Islanders.
Carolina used up money to sign Jesperi Kotkaniemi; and the Isles locked up all their key free agents.
The 29 year-old has two years left on a deal that comes with a $7.5 million AAV and a 10 team no trade clause. It is likely that he’d be willing to expand that in order to get a deal done, but a third team may need to also get involved for cap purposes.
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NHL Rumors: Tarasenko trade update
Andy Strickland notes that “there’s at least one team willing to retain a portion of Tarasenko’s salary” in order to help get a deal done.
That team is most likely the Detroit Red Wings who are still looking to build up future assets as they weaponize their $15 million in cap space. Another possible team that needs help getting to the cap floor are the rebuilding Buffalo Sabres. Either team makes sense as third wheel.
A deal may still not get done and Tarasenko needs to compete.
“Vladi has to prepare like he’s coming back to St. Louis,” Armstrong said via The Athletic. “He has to get ready to play. He is a 30-year-old (Tarasenko turns 30 in December). I’m sure he wants to play for a number of years in the NHL, and he has to come back and have a great season.”
Latest on Brady Tkachuk and Senators
The latest report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun indicated that there was progress on a new deal.
“Talks between the Senators and Tkachuk’s camp took place as late as Friday after Batherson signed his deal,” Garrioch continued, “and likely will resume this week.”
According to TSN’s Shawn Simpson the Senators have offered Brady Tkachuk a max term deal. The only hold up right now is money.
“Sens have put out that they have offered Tkachuk 8 years. What I’m told is Brady loves Ottawa, and is more than willing to sign for 8,” Simpson tweeted. “The question is the money and figuring out a number. My guess is they keep working until the eve of camp, and if nothing is done, bridge deal.”
The two sides are expected to get a deal done before the start of training camp.