Minnesota Wild
· 2026-06-30
Minnesota Wild veteran Vladimir Tarasenko will head to market when free agency begins on July 1st.
The 34-year-old winger had a valuable season with the Wild, posting 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games.
Tarasenko recently changed agents to Dan Millstein, one of the most renowned agents in the National Hockey League.
This move suggests Tarasenko may want to cash in on what may be his last multi-year contract.
Despite a successful season, Tarasenko may be looking for a better deal elsewhere, with several contending teams seeking help on the wing.
The Wild, currently 3rd in the Western Conference with a 46-24 record, may not be able to offer Tarasenko the contract he desires.
The Wild are pursuing other players, including Dylan Larkin, and have been linked to Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
With Tarasenko's departure, the Wild will need to find another winger to fill the gap.
The team's last result was a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on May 14, 2026.
Tarasenko's consistent offensive output, with 327 goals and 709 points across 906 games, will make him a desirable target for other teams.
And with the Wild's current standing, they may not be able to compete with other teams' offers for Tarasenko's services.
But the Wild are still a strong team, with a good chance of making a deep post-season run in 2026/27.
So they will need to find the right replacement for Tarasenko to ensure their success.
The Wild's general manager, Bill Guerin, was recently awarded the Jim Gregory Award as NHL's General Manager of the Year.
This award recognizes Guerin's efforts in building a strong team, and he will need to continue making smart decisions to keep the Wild competitive.
Tarasenko's decision to leave the Wild may be a setback, but the team has the talent and resources to overcome it.
The Wild's fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to Tarasenko's departure and what moves they make in the off-season.