The Montreal Canadiens remain in the market for a top-six forward. General manager Kent Hughes previously attempted to acquire Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Montreal’s top exec has also been linked with Shane Wright and Elias Pettersson. Nevertheless, it has been revealed that Hughes would prefer not to sign a reclamation project this summer.
One available player who would certainly not fit in this category is Vladimir Tarasenko. The veteran has remained a reliable forward throughout his impressive career. He most recently grabbed 47 points in 75 games with the Minnesota Wild. With the Canadiens eyeing a quality top-six player, Tarasenko should be an option.
The guys at The Sick Podcast recently discussed the team’s potential interest in the star. As host Shayne Gaumond pointed out, Tarasenko now has the same agent as Ivan Demidov, among other Canadiens players. Dan Milstein recently negotiated an eight-year, $73 million contract extension to keep Demidov with the Montreal Canadiens. Gaumond asked Jimmy Murphy if Tarasenko is an option for Montreal because of these connections.
“I think he definitely could,” replied Murphy. “And you just established all of the reasons why right there. The familiarity with that agent, who’s obviously got a lot of players involved with the Montreal Canadiens. It seems [Milstein] is set on building a Russian mafia within the Canadiens dressing room.”
Montreal Canadiens can Afford to pay Versatile Vladimir Tarasenko
GettyThe Montreal Canadiens could use Vladimir Tarasenko’s offense and leadership.
Agent connections are not the only link between Tarasenko and the Montreal Canadiens. As Murphy points out, the Russian veteran would fill a positional need for Hughes as well. “I just think, yeah, he’s a versatile guy,” continued Murphy.
“Everyone thinks offense when you think of Tarasenko, but he can get back and help out [in defense] a bit. I just think if you’re looking at the UFA market, and you’re looking for a plug-in piece, he is the best plug-in piece for the Montreal Canadiens at this point.”
This is not the first time that Tarasenko has been linked to the Canadiens. NHL journalist Marco D’Amico also recently urged Hughes to target Tarasenko. According to the insider, the veteran winger would essentially be a low-risk, high-reward signing for Montreal.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston previously predicted that the forward would earn a one-year, $3.3 million deal this summer. If true, the Canadiens can currently afford to make the move. Tarasenko recently finished out a two-year, $9.5 million ($4.75 million AAV) deal in Minnesota.
Montreal Could do Worse Than a Tarasenko Plan B
Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens seemingly prefer to land a younger star NHL player for 2026-27 and beyond. Their pursuit of Marchenko, and previously Matthew Knies, proves this. Nevertheless, eventually pivoting to Tarasenko would not be a bad Plan B option for the club.
The 34-year-old veteran seemingly has enough gas left in the tank to perform in Montreal’s top-six forward group. He would also provide necessary leadership to the youngest team in the NHL. If signed, Tarasenko would likely be able to play alongside fellow Russian Demidov on the team’s second line. In this scenario, Alex Newhook would likely center the line until Michael Hage arrives in Montreal.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Canadiens May Lean on Demidov to Help Land $9.5 Million Star appeared first on HEAVY.