The NHL trade deadline is three weeks away, and with the Detroit Red Wings surging into a playoff spot under coach Todd McLellan, it’s unlikely they’ll be sellers.
If they can make a “hockey trade” — acquiring an immediate contributor in exchange for a roster player — it’s worth exploring. Moving one key star, whether for an NHL player or a future asset, is also worth considering.
Top veteran’s name unexpectedly emerged in trade rumors when Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada that there’s been “some noise around him” and ongoing discussions regarding his availability.
The Red Wings signed the 33-year-old winger to a two-year, $4.75 million AAV deal on July 3, not expecting him to replicate his 30-plus-goal seasons with St. Louis but certainly hoping for more than his current output of seven goals and 15 assists in 53 games — making him their biggest disappointment this season.
This raises questions about potential interest from other teams, even with Detroit retaining 50% of his remaining salary. Friedman mentioned the Florida Panthers as a possible destination on his 32 Thoughts podcast. Florida, which acquired Tarasenko from Ottawa at last season’s trade deadline, would need to clear cap space but might welcome him back after his supporting role in their Stanley Cup run.
While Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause, it’s plausible he’d waive it for a return to a familiar place and a fresh start. His production under McLellan (three goals, 10 points in 20 games) has slightly improved compared to his stint under Derek Lalonde (four goals, 13 points in 34 games), but it remains underwhelming.
The Red Wings, boasting a 15-5-1 record since the coaching change, may be hesitant to disrupt team chemistry, though trading Tarasenko wouldn’t likely cause much stir given his limited impact.
Having been traded at the past two deadlines (to the Rangers in 2023 and the Senators in 2024), Tarasenko was more productive in those instances, making a trade now more challenging. General manager Steve Yzerman is unlikely to part with a high draft pick or a top prospect to facilitate a move.
If a trade doesn’t materialize by the March 7 deadline, Tarasenko could be a buyout candidate in June, costing $1.583 million against the cap over the next two seasons but freeing a top-nine spot for a younger player or a more productive addition.
Regardless, it’s hard to envision Detroit keeping Tarasenko next season at $4.75 million, given his current performance.