The most effective group within the NHL simply received higher because it prepares for a deep run within the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Florida Panthers have acquired winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators, the groups introduced Wednesday.

The Senators additionally retained 50% of Tarasenko’s $5 million wage. In change, the Senators obtained a 2025 third-round choose and a conditional 2024 fourth-round choose from the Panthers.

Tarasenko, 32, signed a one-year cope with Ottawa final summer time and has been a productive ahead for the group in 2023-24. Via 57 video games, Tarasenko has tallied 17 targets and 24 assists, and he ought to present the Panthers with a bit of bit extra firepower on the wings.

In his 12-year NHL profession, Tarasenko has eclipsed the 30-goal mark six instances. Despite the fact that he is probably not that participant anymore, Tarasenko can nonetheless present some offense in Florida, particularly contemplating the assist he’ll have round him. If Panthers head coach Paul Maurice decides to fit Tarasenko alongside Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, it may very well be a successful mixture that additionally permits Nick Cousins to play a extra appropriate function within the bottom-six.

In the case of the adjustment interval that comes with getting traded on the deadline, Tarasenko has current expertise. The St. Louis Blues despatched Tarasenko to the New York Rangers at the moment final yr, and he completed the common season with eight targets and 13 assists in 31 video games together with his new group.

This transfer by the Panthers is simply including one other weapon to an already fully-loaded arsenal. Since Jan. 1, Florida has misplaced simply six video games and solely 4 instances in regulation. The Panthers’ 21-4-2 run has vaulted them to the highest of the NHL standings, three factors away from the Boston Bruins with a sport in hand.