The Detroit Red Wings continued their recruitment from the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Wednesday by signing winger Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million.
Tarasenko, aged 32, becomes the sixth player from Florida’s Game 7 lineup to depart in free agency, a trend seen across the NHL as teams seek to replicate championship success.
As part of the deal, Tarasenko’s salary cap hit will be $4.75 million until the 2025-26 season. The contract includes a no-trade clause in the first year and limited protection in the second.
Tarasenko joins three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane on the Red Wings, who are aiming to end their franchise-record playoff drought of eight seasons. Kane’s recent contract extension includes incentives that could increase his earnings to $4 million.
Following Tarasenko’s acquisition, Detroit traded another former St. Louis Blues teammate, forward Robby Fabbri, along with a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick, to Anaheim for 22-year-old goaltender prospect Gage Alexander.
Tarasenko contributed significantly to the Panthers’ first-ever franchise title, scoring five goals and providing four assists during their championship run after joining them just before the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have secured long-term deals with key players like Sam Reinhart, who signed for $69 million over eight years, and extended restricted free agent Anton Lundell with a six-year, $30 million contract.
However, due to salary cap constraints, the Panthers have had to part ways with several players including Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anthony Stolarz, Ryan Lomberg, and Kevin Stenlund, who have signed with other teams.
Josh Mahura, who played a significant role on the Panthers’ defense during their 2023 playoff run, has reunited with Montour by signing a contract worth $775,000 with the Seattle Kraken.