As the free-agent market continues to shrink, veteran winger Vladimir Tarasenko remains one of the biggest names still available.
With training camp getting closer, speculation connecting the two-time Stanley Cup champion to the Edmonton Oilers has only grown.
Oilers GM Hints More Moves Are Coming
Edmonton has already made several changes this offseason.
It traded Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks, acquired goaltender Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres, and signed Frederik Andersen. The team also added Ryan Shea, Mathieu Joseph, and other depth pieces.
After those moves, the Oilers have around $4.7 million in projected cap space.
This week, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman told OilersNOW 880 that the team is in a good position heading into the season because it still has some room to work with.
Bowman also made it clear that Edmonton wants to keep some cap flexibility rather than spending everything right away. He believes that flexibility could become valuable when new opportunities arise.
His comments also suggested that the Oilers’ opening-night roster may not be the same group that heads into the playoffs. That has naturally fueled speculation about potential additions, with Tarasenko emerging as an interesting option.
Why Tarasenko Makes Sense for Edmonton
At 34, Tarasenko isn’t the player he was during his prime, but he can still provide offense.
The winger scored 23 goals and recorded 47 points with the Minnesota Wild last season, showing that he remains capable of finishing chances.
Playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could give him even more opportunities.
McDavid and Draisaitl regularly draw multiple defenders, creating open space for their wingers. Tarasenko’s hockey IQ and quick release could help him capitalize on those chances.
He could provide scoring at five-on-five while also giving new head coach Mike Babcock another experienced option for the second power-play unit.
Tarasenko’s playoff resume is another reason he could appeal to Edmonton. He has already won Stanley Cups with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and the Florida Panthers in 2024, giving him valuable experience in pressure-filled postseason games.
With Tarasenko still unsigned this late in the offseason, the Oilers could have some leverage in negotiations.
A one-year deal in the $1.5 million to $2.2 million range would allow Edmonton to add another proven scorer without sacrificing much of its remaining cap flexibility.
That could leave the Oilers with roughly $2.5 million or more to work with during the season and at the trade deadline.
Bowman’s latest comments make one thing clear: Edmonton isn’t finished making moves.
Tarasenko could be one option, but even if the Oilers don’t land him, more changes could be coming before the postseason.
