ESPN regrading trade deadline.
Vladimir Tarasenko, F, Florida Panthers
Grades then: FLA: A; OTT: B
Grades now: FLA: A+; OTT: B-
What he's done: Tarasenko was open to a trade to the Panthers, and it's no wonder -- he's slid in superbly. Tarasenko has been a top-six stalwart for the Panthers, providing first-line insurance when Carter Verhaeghe was recently injured, and he has the ability to contribute from the left or right wing. Tarasenko was productive right away in Florida with six goals and 13 points in 17 games to make a dynamic Panthers attack more dangerous (compare that to Tarasenko's numbers post-trade to New York last season, when he gathered just eight goals total over 31 regular season games).
The veteran is a staple on Florida's power play too, and uses his elite shot to frustrate opponents -- and give coach Paul Maurice ideas about how he can maximize Tarasenko's strengths to help Florida win playoff games.
Future impact: There are over 100 games of postseason experience for Taranseko to lean on as the Panthers look to avenge last spring's Stanley Cup Final loss with a more successful ride to the finish. Tarasenko won a Cup with St. Louis in 2019 and can bring skills and insight to the table as Florida fights its way back to that precipice.
It's also clear Tarasenko would like to stick in Florida, since it's where his family is based in the offseason. Would Tarasenko give GM Bill Zito some wiggle room on a hometown discount prior to exploring another free agent contract this summer?
