Expectations in Edmonton remain sky-high after a season that ended with the Stanley Cup out of reach. Every roster decision is now being viewed through the lens of whether it brings the Oilers any closer to finally getting over the hump. This has turned even the free-agent market into a subject of intense debate, with one experienced scorer generating mixed reactions.
As discussions continue around Edmonton’s next move, one insider has made it clear he isn’t completely sold on one of the biggest names still available.
Oilers Insider Apprehensive of Vladimir Tarasenko Pursuit
As speculation continues around unrestricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko, one NHL insider believes the Oilers should be careful before committing valuable cap space to the veteran winger, even with his track record of scoring and playoff success.
Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Jason Gregor explained that he doesn’t share the enthusiasm many others have for Tarasenko joining Edmonton.
“For me, I’m not as high on Tarasenko as others. I don’t know. I just look at it and say, ‘Okay, I could sign Tarasenko today, and it lowers my cap space’ and everything like that,” Gregor said, noting that tying up money now could reduce the team’s ability to make a meaningful addition later in the season.
Gregor’s hesitation isn’t rooted in Tarasenko’s resume but in whether the 34-year-old can still move the needle for a championship contender.
“I’m just not sold that Tarasenko, at this stage of his career, is going to be that big of a difference-maker,” he said, arguing that Edmonton’s biggest priority should be finding “a real finisher” who can elevate the offense when games tighten up.
Even with these reservations, Gregor acknowledged that the production is difficult to dismiss.
“Now, he scored 23 goals last year. So, you know, a 23-goal scorer is a 23-goal scorer,” he said, pointing out that a large share of those goals came at 5-on-5, an area that carries significant value for a team built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Tarasenko’s playoff pedigree also remains part of the conversation. Gregor noted that “historically in the playoffs, he’s been pretty good,” referencing his 11-goal performance during St. Louis’ 2019 Stanley Cup run, while adding that 51 goals in 132 career playoff games represent reliable postseason production for a veteran winger.
Still, Gregor isn’t advocating for Edmonton to make a significant commitment. “I’m just not necessarily in love with the Tarasenko option,” he said before outlining the type of contract he could support. “If I was going to sign him, it’d be a one-year deal, and I probably wouldn’t go more than $3 million at the most.”
Tarasenko offers proven scoring, championship experience, and a history of delivering in the playoffs, but Edmonton also wants to keep enough financial flexibility to address other needs as the season unfolds.
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Whether the veteran winger ultimately lands in Alberta may depend less on his record and more on whether his asking price matches the Oilers’ long-term plan.
