One of the last big names left on the NHL free agent market has found a new home.
Vladimir Tarasenko agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday following a turbulent time on the open market this summer.
The 31-year-old right winger fired his agent Paul Theofanous just days into the start of free agency earlier this month after he wasn’t receiving the offers he was expecting.
Tarasenko, now represented by JP Barry and Pat Brisson of CAA, is coming off a 50-point season (18 goals and 32 assists) during his time with the St. Louis Blues and Rangers.
The veteran winger was traded to the Blueshirts on Feb. 9 during a massive push by the Rangers front office before the trade deadline.
He added three goals and an assist in seven playoff games before the Rangers were dispatched in the first round by the New Jersey Devils.
“Vladimir’s a natural goal scorer,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. “He’s a dynamic player who can score from anywhere in the offensive zone, as well as an underrated playmaker who’s made a career out of driving offense for he and his linemates. An established performer in the regular season and in the playoffs, we’re thrilled to add a player of his caliber to our lineup.”
Tarasenko had been coming off the final year of an eight-year, $60 million contract that he signed with the Blues in 2015 and was a free agent for the first time in his career.
The six-time 30-goal scorer helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019.
Tarasenko had told reporters after the season ended that he wanted to go to a destination that was best for his family while also giving him a chance to compete for another Stanley Cup, according to ESPN.
“I was lucky enough to win one [with the Blues] and want to win more if it’s possible,” he said.
But at the start of free agency the offers never rolled in the way that Tarasenko had hoped they would and he was unhappy with the offers ranging from $5.5 million-$6 million that he did receive, The Post reported at the time.
The problem that the veteran forward faced with was only a few teams had the cap space needed to fit the contract he desired.
Now the deal with Ottawa will give him a chance to show he can be an asset like he had been in St. Louis to a team before hitting the open market again next season.