The Detroit Red Wings are facing a critical decision regarding veteran forward Vladimir Tarasenko. Signed to a two-year contract this past offseason, Tarasenko’s tenure in Detroit has been underwhelming, raising questions about his fit with the team and his future in the Motor City.
Tarasenko arrived in Detroit with high expectations, coming off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers. The hope was that he could inject some much-needed scoring punch into the Red Wings’ lineup. However, the 2024-25 season has been a struggle for the veteran winger, who appears to be a shadow of his former self.
His offensive production has plummeted, and his shooting percentage is at an all-time low. Even a coaching change has failed to ignite his performance. With the NHL season about to resume after the midseason break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, rumors are swirling that the Red Wings might be looking to trade Tarasenko before play resumes.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently reported that there’s been “noise” around Tarasenko, suggesting that the Red Wings have had conversations about moving him. While the team has seen improvement in their overall play and are currently in a playoff position, Tarasenko’s struggles have become a glaring issue.
Trading Tarasenko now could potentially bring the Red Wings a better return than waiting until the summer. Several factors contribute to this possibility.
Firstly, Tarasenko’s recent struggles have diminished his trade value. However, a contending team looking for additional scoring depth for a playoff push might still be willing to take a chance on him. This is particularly true given his Stanley Cup-winning experience. As such, the Red Wings could still capitalize on his reputation and playoff pedigree to acquire valuable assets in a trade.
Secondly, the upcoming trade deadline could create a sense of urgency among contending teams. Teams looking to bolster their rosters for the playoffs might be more willing to overpay for a player like Tarasenko, despite his recent slump. This could work in favor of the Red Wings, allowing them to extract maximum value in a trade.
Thirdly, if the Red Wings wait until the summer to trade Tarasenko, they risk his value depreciating further. If he fails to improve his performance in the remainder of the season, his trade value will likely be even lower. Additionally, the free agency period might offer more options for teams seeking offensive help, reducing the demand for a player like Tarasenko.
Of course, trading Tarasenko mid-season presents its own set of challenges. It could disrupt team chemistry and require adjustments in the lineup. However, if the Red Wings believe that Tarasenko is not a good fit for the team’s long-term plans, then trading him sooner rather than later might be the most prudent move.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Tarasenko rests with the Red Wings’ management. They must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of trading him now versus waiting until the summer. However, considering his recent struggles, the potential return in a trade, and the looming trade deadline, moving on from Tarasenko might be the best course of action for the Red Wings.
