With the Edmonton Oilers getting closer to the playoffs, the main focus will be ensuring the team has the best roster possible before the trade deadline is over. An insider is reporting that GM Ken Holland has his eye on a former Stanley Cup champion.
Hockey Insider Says Oilers have Interest in Tarasenko
The Ottawa Senators have had a rough season, not meeting expectations at all when it comes to the standings. That said, Vladimir Tarasenko has been quietly having himself a decent year, with 15 goals and 38 points in 55 games. According to Elliotte Friedman, he's on the radar for Edmonton.
"Elliotte Friedman on OilersNow says Nic Dowd is on the Oiler's radar. He adds that the Oilers have a limit on what they would give up for Anthony Mantha. Friedman also mentioned that the Oilers have thought about Jake Guentzel and Vladimir Tarasenko as well."
Tarasenko would not require a big commitment from Edmonton as he carries a $5 million cap hit and becomes a free agent at the end of this season. The 32-year-old easily adds scoring depth and Stanley Cup experience to the team. Tarasenko got his named engraved on hockey's greatest prize back in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues.
As it stands right now, Capfriendly says the Oilers and Holland have about $1.9 million in cap space to play with, although that can change quickly. It's not clear whether Ottawa is willing to retain salary, and that likely depends on how good the offer is. At the same time, it would be silly for the Senators not to trade away a valuable player at the deadline when he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and the team has no chance of making the playoffs.