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NHL Trade Rumors: 3 teams who should trade for Vladimir Tarasenko

By Dave Stevenson

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 05: St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko moves for a loose puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game between the Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues on December 5, 2018, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 05: St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko moves for a loose puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game between the Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues on December 5, 2018, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images
Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images /

Honorable Mentions

Here are some teams to keep an eye on. They aren’t the most likely to acquire Tarasenko, but they’ve still got a pretty good shot.

New York Rangers

One thing would need to happen for the New York Rangers to get Tarasenko. They’d have to sign Artemi Panarin (the reverse might be true as well). It’s no secret Panarin desires to play for the Rangers. Another thing that isn’t a secret is the friendship between Tarasenko and him.

This would have to happen after July 1, 2019. Armed with a no-movement clause, Tarasenko could basically get to choose where he plays. That might well be on the Rangers if they sign his friend. It might sound like a pipe dream, but it’s plausible.

While the Rangers are rebuilding, someone like Tarasenko would be worth trying to acquire. He’s young, so he could be a huge part of the next contending team in the Big Apple. Tarasenko would be a nice plan B for Panarin.

Montreal Canadiens

They could afford him long-term without having to dump any salary, which is good. And the Canadiens could certainly use a scorer of Tarasenko’s caliber. However, do they have the prospect pool to get him? The Blues would likely want Nick Suzuki, as he’s their only truly great prospect other than Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who the Canadiens likely view as untouchable (and rightfully so).

New Jersey Devils

There’s no question the Devils have the cap space needed to acquire Tarasenko. But do they have the young players the Blues will likely want? General Manager Ray Shero used to be known for his penchant for big deals. However, that reputation seems to have been left in Pittsburgh. But maybe the Devils struggles will motivate Shero to go back to his old ways.

Philadelphia Flyers

New general manager Chuck Fletcher has made bold trades before. None of them bolder than trading for Tarasenko, though. He’s armed with one of the wealthiest ownership groups in the NHL and a deep pool of young players and prospects. And thanks to the brilliance of former GM Ron Hextall, the Flyers are mostly done with their really bad contracts.

Colorado Avalanche

They have a ton of cap space and have a very nice prospect pool. However, the Avalanche are a budget team. Their recent moves suggest that. That said, the Avalanche saw some much-needed growth last season. So maybe now they’d be willing to take on Tarasenko’s deal. But it would cost them.

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