4 trade destinations for St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko
The St. Louis Blues may shake things up after another early playoff exit, and these four teams make sense as trade destinations for Vladimir Tarasenko.
Since a surprising run to the Stanley Cup in 2019, the St. Louis Blues have lost in the first round of the playoffs in back-to-back years. The roster may look different next season, with multiple free agents who may depart, and Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff has reported the Blues are exploring the trade market for winger Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko has two years left on his contract and a full no-trade clause. But Seravalli added he has alerted the Blues to “several teams” he’d be willing to be dealt to, and he’s unlikely to block a move.
When healthy, Tarasenko has been an elite goal scorer. From 2014-19, only John Tavares and Alex Ovechkin scored more than his 182 regular-season goals. But he has played just 34 games over the last two seasons, after undergoing surgery on both shoulders.
Vladimir Tarasenko contract
Tarasenko has two years and $15 million remaining on the eight-year, $60 million contract he signed. Tarasenko carries a $7.5 million cap hit the next two seasons and an annual salary of $9.5 million in 2021-2022 and $5.5 million in 2022-2023 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has to be careful he doesn’t sell low on Tarasenko, but he has also not been afraid to make deals involving key players. On that note, these four teams make sense as trade destinations for the goal-scoring sniper.
Vladimir Tarasenko trade rumors are heating up for the Blues winger, but where could he actually be traded?
4. Vladimir Tarasenko trade fits: Seattle Kraken
It’s incredibly unlikely, but Tarasenko could be exposed to the Kraken for next month’s expansion draft. But as the Seattle team looks to have instant success like the Vegas Golden Knights have enjoyed, GM Ron Francis could mortgage some future assets to take a risk/reward flier on a legit goal scorer.
The question is if Tarasenko would waive his no-trade to go to an expansion team. But the Kraken are unlikely to be a bottom feeder, and it’d be a fresh start for him.