The Montreal Canadiens have strengthened their young core, but there are questions about whether the roster has enough proven scoring to support its emerging stars over a full season.
The Minnesota Wild, meanwhile, watched a veteran winger wrap up a productive campaign before reaching unrestricted free agency, creating another intriguing option on the market.
As Montreal evaluates ways to add experience without disrupting its long-term plan, that veteran has resurfaced in discussions.
Vladimir Tarasenko Emerges as Canadiens Target
NHL winger Vladimir Tarasenko is currently one of the most notable unrestricted free agents still available after completing the 2025-26 season with the Wild.
The 34-year-old finished with 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games, showing he can still provide secondary offense despite entering the later stages of his career.
The discussion primarily emerged after one fan questioned whether Tarasenko would truly improve Montreal’s second line.
NHL insider Jimmy Murphy responded by offering a different perspective. “Agree with JD, but worst comes to worst, bring him in on a PTO and see what happens. And who is his agent?” Murphy wrote, suggesting that a professional tryout or low-risk contract could allow Montreal to evaluate the veteran without making a significant financial commitment.
This final question carries added significance because Tarasenko recently changed representation to Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey before free agency opened. Milstein has established a strong working relationship with the Canadiens organization and recently negotiated Ivan Demidov’s long-term extension, adding another context to the speculation connecting Tarasenko to Montreal.
From a hockey standpoint, adding Tarasenko wouldn’t necessarily push Alex Newhook down the lineup. Instead, it could reshape the Canadiens’ forward group in a way that benefits multiple players.
Tarasenko remains a natural scoring winger with finishing ability, while Newhook’s versatility allows him to move comfortably between center and wing depending on the club’s needs.
A veteran presence alongside Ivan Demidov could also ease the pressure on one of the organization’s brightest young talents. Tarasenko’s experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion and his reputation as a reliable goal scorer would provide another offensive option without requiring Montreal to sacrifice future assets.
The financial aspect also makes the idea attractive.
Rather than committing to a lengthy contract, the Canadiens could pursue Tarasenko on a short-term agreement or even a PTO, limiting risk while adding experienced depth to the roster. If the partnership works, Montreal gains another proven scorer. If it does not, the organization maintains flexibility moving forward.
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Originally drafted 16th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2010, Tarasenko has scored 327 career goals while winning Stanley Cups with St. Louis in 2019 and Florida in 2024.
Although he is no longer the elite first-line scorer he once was, his recent production suggests he could still fill an important supporting role on a Canadiens team looking to take another competitive step.
