NHL Rumours: Vladimir Tarasenko and Other Big Names On the Board Still
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Today we have an edition of NHL Rumours where we look at some of the players that are yet to sign a contract as the 2026-27 has been underway for a little over a week now. Our main focus is on the top goal scorer from last year from the bunch, Vladimir Tarasenko, and what the hold up could possibly be.
Apr 20, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Wild centre Gustav Nyquist (41), Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17), and Minnesota Wild defenceman Jared Spurgeon (46) await a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesNHL Rumours and Exploring Vladimir Tarasenko and Other Top Available Free Agents
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun tells us that Tarasenko dropped his agent Dan Milstein in the late summer, and is unsure if he has an agent right now. He is looking for a contract, but has yet to get one.
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Analysis: There are some layers to this one, but it is surprising someone of Tarasenko’s pedigree doesn’t have a contract. It comes down to dollars, but will he find where it makes sense?
LeBrun thought that the Florida Panthers offered Tarasenko a contract back in early July. However, it was reportedly not for a lot of money, since Florida didn’t have the salary cap space. It made sense at the time the 34-year-old would hold out for more money. However, as we sit here in the second week of October, Tarasenko is still awaiting a deal.
Last year, Tarasenko had the most goals of any of the currently available UFAs, with 23 goals, along with 47 points in 75 games for the competitive Minnesota Wild.
UFA winger Vladimir Tarasenko and agent Dan Milstein parted aways late summer. Not sure Tarasenko, who has had several agents in last 4-5 years, has representation at the moment. His 23 goals last season are tops among current UFAs still left on market. He's skating in Florida…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 8, 2026
Some of the other top unrestricted free agents still available include Patrik Laine, Evander Kane, and Gustav Nyquist. Now with Michael Bunting just recently off the board, the talks for the remaining free agents have surely intensified.
Teams have expressed varying interest in these and other players. What adds to the story is that Tarasenko is currently skating in South Florida, along with Laine and a restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin. It makes it curious if Florida is going to make an offer for one of these guys. One of the problems, that along with Florida, many of the top teams would have limited cap space.
Something Has to Give, Right?
It is uncertain if whether the Panthers would want to try again with Tarasenko. Also, there remains some uncertainty in the fact that Tarasenko doesn’t have an agent, and how that would impact contract negotiations. For Florida, it doesn’t look like the injuries to Brad Marchand or Aleksander Barkov would be long enough that they could bring in someone who’s contract would replace their pay. So for now, it is likely Florida is out of the running for Tarasenko at least. That is purely based on a monetary perspective.
There’s lots to be decided here with NHL Rumours, as one would think many of these guys who are still unsigned, will find suitors before too long. It is a bit of musical chairs and waiting for someone to sign, so someone else can shift their priorities and want to make a deal so they can handle their own business.
For all the impact names still on the list, teams will come calling once they figure out their position, in terms of being buyers and sellers. Don’t expect Tarasenko, or someone like Nyquist to remain unsigned for too much longer. It is probably just a matter of a team being competitive making a call, and that will force the hand of other teams who don’t want to miss out.
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Main Photo Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images