Steve Staios has finally pulled the trigger on his first deal as the general manager of the Ottawa Senators. Retaining 50 percent of Vladimir Tarasenko’s contract, he sent the Russian winger to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick to Ottawa. If the Panthers win the Cup, the 2024 fourth-round pick will become a 2026 third-round pick.
Ended up really liking Vladdy in Ottawa and hope he wins another Cup in Florida. Agree that he wasn't a natural fit for the roster in the first place and that Staios's hands were tied. He also has the same agent as Brady/Norris so I doubt he was really going to try to hold his feet to the fire.
Biggest question in my mind is what we're going to do with our D corps and goalie situation. Feel like those have been big questions for years now.
Well reasoned take on what turned out to be a minor deal all round. Tarasenko is a very personable player and fans seemed to bond to him, but as you make clear, a player with warts and not a good fit for Ottawa's needs.
Ended up really liking Vladdy in Ottawa and hope he wins another Cup in Florida. Agree that he wasn't a natural fit for the roster in the first place and that Staios's hands were tied. He also has the same agent as Brady/Norris so I doubt he was really going to try to hold his feet to the fire.
Biggest question in my mind is what we're going to do with our D corps and goalie situation. Feel like those have been big questions for years now.
Well reasoned take on what turned out to be a minor deal all round. Tarasenko is a very personable player and fans seemed to bond to him, but as you make clear, a player with warts and not a good fit for Ottawa's needs.