Montreal Canadiens Could Bolster Offense with Potential Vladimir Tarasenko Trade
As the Montreal Canadiens fight for a playoff spot in the current season, their front office is already beginning to focus on the offseason and potential moves that could help elevate the roster.
One intriguing proposal that has surfaced comes from the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, which allows fans and analysts to create their own trade scenarios. In this scenario, the Canadiens acquire veteran winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings.
Tarasenko’s Fit with the Canadiens
Vladimir Tarasenko, a seasoned goal-scorer with a proven track record in the NHL, would be an excellent addition to the Canadiens’ roster. With a career that includes multiple 30-goal seasons and a Stanley Cup victory with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, Tarasenko brings a wealth of experience and leadership to any locker room.
His skillset would help inject more scoring depth into Montreal’s top six, something the Canadiens have struggled to find in recent years.
The 32-year-old forward is known for his powerful shot, offensive instincts, and ability to create scoring chances both at even strength and on the power play. His addition could give Montreal another top-tier winger alongside the likes of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Having Tarasenko on the roster would allow head coach Martin St. Louis to spread out scoring across multiple lines, potentially creating a more balanced attack and alleviating some of the pressure from their top players.
Contract and Financial Considerations
Tarasenko’s current contract carries a cap hit of $5 million, but Detroit would retain $1.8 million, bringing his actual cap hit down to a more manageable $3.2 million for the Canadiens.
This financial flexibility makes the trade even more appealing, as it would not require the Canadiens to part with significant assets to acquire the winger.
Given Montreal’s relatively stable salary cap situation, this deal would not only strengthen their forward group but also keep them in a strong position to make other moves if needed.
With Tarasenko’s manageable cap hit, the Canadiens would have the room to address other areas of need, such as bolstering their defense or adding depth at center.
What It Would Cost the Canadiens
To complete the deal, Montreal would likely need to send back a combination of prospects and draft picks to Detroit. The Red Wings, looking to rebuild, would likely target young players with upside or additional future assets to continue their growth.
While the exact terms of the trade would depend on negotiations, the Canadiens could offer a combination of mid-tier prospects and draft picks that wouldn’t significantly impact their long-term plans.
Adding Vladimir Tarasenko would be a bold move for the Montreal Canadiens, but one that could pay immediate dividends in their quest for a playoff spot next season.
His scoring touch, veteran experience, and affordable cap hit make him a desirable target, and the potential to acquire him from the Detroit Red Wings could help bolster the Canadiens’ offense heading into the offseason. If this trade scenario becomes a reality, Montreal’s roster could look significantly more dangerous in the 2025-26 season.