The Ottawa Senators came into 2023-24 with moderate expectations. They believed that there was a chance they could be a bubble team but that just hasn't happened.
They are currently in last place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 25-31-3 for 53 standings points. Only a handful of teams have a worse record in the whole league.
Selling at the trade deadline is something that they are going to do and it started on Wednesday. They traded Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers.
In exchange for Tarasenko, the Senators are getting a 2024 fourth-round pick that would become a 2026 third if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup. They are also getting a 2025 third. Ottawa is retaining 50 percent of Tarasenko's contract to make things easier on Florida's cap.
The Florida Panthers are adding Vladimir Tarasenko to their forward group
The Florida Panthers needed one more top-nine guy and they are getting that with Tarasenko. He may even play in their top six.
We know that Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart are going to be on the wings of Aleksander Barkov. On the second line, however, Matthew Tkachuk could use a linemate like Tarasenko with Sam Bennett in the middle. Now, every forward can be in a spot that is perfect for them.
This Panthers team was in the Stanley Cup Final last year and is on track to win their second President's Trophy in three years. Adding a star like Tarasenko is a good idea for them.
His family is in Florida and he had a no-move clause so he got to somewhat control where he landed. He believes that this is a good opportunity for him. Tarasenko has to be hoping that things go better with his new team than it did last year when he was out after the first round.
Both fanbases are hoping that things can work out for both sides. It is on Ottawa's scouting staff and GM to take advantage of those picks. They would now like to see the Panthers win the Cup so their draft pick can be better. Florida has a good enough group, can they get it done this time?