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The Ottawa Senators have signed Vladimir Tarasenko to a one-year, $5 million deal. The move came weeks after Alex DeBrincat left for the Detroit Red Wings.
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Tarasenko was one of the most notable names remaining in free agency. At this year's trade deadline, he was dealt to the New York Rangers by the St. Louis Blues.
The Russian winger was in the final year of an eight-year, $7.5 million (AAV) deal. Tarasenko's future was already in doubt given his impending unrestricted free agent status and the Rangers' cap situation.
Tarasenko will now embark on a new journey with the Senators.
Fans, however, were taken by surprised at the news and headed to Twitter to share their opinions.
One said:
"He said he wanted to go to a cup contender and clearly he went for money instead by signing with Ottawa. They still aren't a cup contender yet but oh well. Guess Ottawa will use him for deadline deals. Good for them though."
Here are some more reactions:
The addition of Vladimir Tarasenko gives the Sens more options up front
Tarasenko is a proven goal scorer in the NHL, having had six seasons with 20 or more goals under his belt. He is a top-six winger whose signing will significantly give a boost to the Senators' front line.
Dominik Kubalik, a 20-goal scorer as well, was acquired by the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Alex DeBrincat.
The addition of the 31-year-old has further bolstered their offensive line, and the pairing with Kubalik should help the Senators in their bid to make the playoffs.
The Ottawa Senators haven't made the playoffs since 2016 but stand a good chance with the addition of the aforementioned players, who join a talented forward line that includes Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux.
Drafted No. 16 by the St. Louis Blues in the 2010 NHL Draft, Tarasenko played for over a decade with the Blues.
This past season, Tarasenko played 69 games combined for St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, scoring 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists). Furthermore, he amassed four points in seven playoff games.
