Insider Suggests Oilers Could Look at Signing Vladimir Tarasenko

The Edmonton Oilers have had a near perfect offseason so far. They have moved on from Kris Knoblauch, traded away Darnell Nurse’s entire $9.25 million cap hit, kept their key pending free agents, and tackled their team needs as they head into one of the most important seasons since they drafted Connor McDavid.

The Oilers still have plenty of cap space left over to make more additions if they see fit, and insider Elliotte Friedman seems to think they’re not quite done yet. In a recent article, he mentioned that the Oilers could take a look at signing Vladimir Tarasenko.

Friedman writes, “Wonder if the Oilers look at Vladimir Tarasenko. Heard a few teams looked at him as things calmed down after free agency day one.”

Tarasenko, who is 34 years old, played last season with the Minnesota Wild, where he scored 23 goals and added 24 assists for 47 points through 75 games. Throughout his career, he has scored 327 goals and added 382 assists for 709 points through 906 games, played between the Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues.

Tarasenko is a strong offensive producer who can usually be trusted to put up 45-55 points a season, and he could be the final puzzle piece in the Oilers’ bottom-six forward group heading into the 2026-27 season.

Does Tarasenko Fit With the Oilers?

Tarasenko likely isn’t looking for a long-term deal, or for a huge pay raise. Bringing him in on a short-term deal, maybe for two years at the most for around a $4.25 million annual cap hit, could be a solid gamble for the Oilers.

The Oilers already have most of their top-six forward group set. Tarasenko likely steps onto their third line alongside Jason Dickinson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to start, while Isaac Howard gets the look on one of the top two lines. If Howard isn’t working, the Oilers can flip Howard and Tarasenko, but the nice thing about adding him would be that they have some flexibility up front.

There is some concern about Tarasenko’s overall defensive play, but that should be offset by the fact he would be playing with two strong defensive-minded line mates. His finishing ability is solid, and he is an extremely creative player in the offensive end, which should help increase the Oilers’ production at even strength.

Tarasenko may not be the best player on the man advantage, but his natural knack for finding ways to create offensive opportunities could be the perfect fit alongside a deep Oilers team.

Adding Tarasenko to the Oilers’ lineup could finally give them the forward depth they have been trying to find for a while. On top of that, Tarasenko could step onto the Oilers’ second power play unit, and finally give them two units they can rely on, rather than just playing the first unit for the majority of every power play.

The Oilers likely aren’t the only team with interest in Tarasenko, but if they are able to land him this offseason, he should fit well. There is a spot for him in their middle-six forward group, an opportunity to move up the lineup and onto the power play.

Tarasenko also creates some internal competition for Howard, who will be under some pressure heading into what will likely be his first full NHL season.

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