NHL free agency: 5 notable free agents who are still available

By Marci Rubin | Jul 3, 2023

Apr 25, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 31, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) takes a slap shot on goal against the Buffalo Sabres in the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Notable NHL free agents still available No. 2: Vladimir Tarasenko

Winger Vladimir Tarasenko just finished an eight-year, $60 million contract. He signed the contract with the St. Louis Blues in 2015 and finished the final year of it with the New York Rangers after being traded during the 2022-23 season. Tarasenko had conversations with the Ottawa Senators over the opening weekend of free agency.

Tarasenko is an elite scorer with great speed. Tarasenko tallied 50 points during the 2022-23 regular season. He continued to generate chances but struggled to find chemistry with a line in New York. He was decent during the Rangers’ brief playoff appearance, scoring three goals in the first-round series.

The 31-year-old is still on the market after the first weekend of free agency. While the door isn’t completely shut on continuing with the Rangers, it is unlikely Taraseko returns due to the cap situation. He will probably be elsewhere come the 2023-24 season.

Tarasenko isn’t likely to get a long-term deal, but he will be a solid addition to his next team, likely on a one or two-year deal. His next contract will come down to who can afford him or if he’s willing to take a discount to join a contending team. It’s possible he takes a one-year deal and then test the waters again next year in hopes of taking advantage of the anticipated salary cap increase.

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