Fantasy Take: Panthers Acquire Tarasenko
Alexander MacLean
2024-03-06
The Florida Panthers added to an already stacked roster on paper, taking one of the top offensive options off the trade board in their deal to acquire Vladimir Tarasenko from the Senators. The Sens received two picks in exchange, and while the return looks underwhelming, it sounds as though Tarasenko's trade protection played a big part in that.
Here is the full deal broken down:
What the Panthers Get:
Vladimir Tarasenko is still an excellent scorer, and he has the ability to beat NHL defencemen one-on-one, which is a tough thing to find on the trade market. Adding that extra scoring punch to an already skilled lineup for the Panthers just makes them more difficult to defend,
With Tarasenko, it's not like his linemates in Ottawa were slouches, but it does seem as though the style of play didn't suit him as well. The move to the Panthers should help his style, and as a result his numbers too.
Regardless of which centre Tarasenko plays with – and he may get tested with each of them – the overall fact that there are now three strong RWs on the Panthers is a boon for the entire group.
What the Senators Get:
Two draft picks, and an empty lineup spot. That spot can be filled by Mathieu Joseph, who had shuffled down the lineup the last few days. With Josh Norris out as well, the Senators now have a pretty clear-cut top-six, and anyone not in it is probably a fantasy castaway for the rest of the season.
There is now room to call up a prospect for some NHL ice time, but there isn't anyone we need to be immediately aware of that will have an impact right away.
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Who benefits the most:
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Whose value takes a hit: