NHL Rumors: Vladimir Tarasenko trade update; outdoor game between Maple Leafs and Sabres in the works
Anthony Scultore
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Vladimir Tarasenko still wants out of St. Louis but the Blues have told him to prepare for the season as if he will still be a member of the team. The 29 year-old has two years left on a deal that comes with a $7.5 million AAV and a no trade clause which comes with a 10 team list.
So what’s the latest on Tarasenko’s trade request with NHL training camps less than a month away from opening? Let’s find out.
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NHL Rumors: Vladimir Tarasenko trade request
Jeremy Rutherford provided an update on the Blues and Tarasenko in his latest mailbag for The Athletic. When asked about who may still be interested he noted the Hurricanes; Rangers, and Islanders as the top teams.
“I believe that Carolina, is still keeping tabs on the Tarasenko situation,” he wrote. Carolina could use more scoring, but if the Canadiens don’t match their offer sheet for Kotkaniemi, that will be $6.1M added to their cap and take them out of the conversation.
With regards to the Rangers, he states that they are still considering Tarasenko as an option. This may sound more like an in-season move to me if they don’t acquire a top center, and if Kaapo Kakko is struggling in his role on one of the top two lines.
Finally, Rutherford sees the Islanders as a landing spot. “I believe the Islanders are still in the mix,” he said. “But there’s no telling with (Isles GM) Lamoriello.” The uncertainty is due to the fact that Lou may have deals in place for several of his own free agents and thus the Blues may not have all pertinent information when trying to make a deal.
There is also the real possibility that Tarasenko will start the season in St. Louis. The Blues have been asked to retain salary to facilitate a trade and at this point they are unwilling to do so.
Leafs and Sabres working on an outdoor game
Buffalo News reporter Mike Harrington believes that the Maple Leafs and Sabres are working on an outdoor contest at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field in Ontario on March 13.
He noted that the game was set to be played at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo but was no longer available to season tickets buyers.
There are plenty of logistics to work out, as well as the uncertainty of travel between the U.S. and Canada with COVID still a risk.
