In a surprising move ahead of the NHL's free agency period, the Minnesota Wild have acquired veteran forward Vladimir Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations. The trade, executed on June 30, 2025, sees the Wild taking on the remaining year of Tarasenko's $9.5 million contract, with a $4.75 million average annual value. This acquisition addresses the Wild's need for additional scoring and a veteran presence in their forward ranks.

Tarasenko, 33, is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and the Florida Panthers in 2024. Throughout his NHL career, which began in 2012-13, he has amassed 662 points (304 goals, 358 assists) in 831 regular-season games with the Blues, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Panthers, and Red Wings. He also brings significant playoff experience, with 73 points (49 goals, 24 assists) in 121 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"His track record of winning, his track record of scoring, he's a bigger body," said Wild President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin. "He's got a lot of experience. He's a player that is in need of a fresh start. The contract and the money and everything just kind of fits". Guerin also noted Tarasenko's potential to regain his top form in Minnesota and expressed his excitement about the acquisition.

In the 2024-25 season with the Red Wings, Tarasenko recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 80 games. While these numbers are below his peak performance, the Wild are optimistic that he can return to his previous scoring touch. Tarasenko has six times exceeded 30 goals in a season, with a career-high of 40 in 2016.

For the Red Wings, trading Tarasenko clears $4.75 million in cap space ahead of free agency. This move gives them greater flexibility to pursue other players, potentially including a big bid on a player like Mitch Marner or an extension with Patrick Kane. Some observers considered Tarasenko's time in Detroit a disappointment, making this trade a beneficial cap dump for the team.

The Wild now have approximately $13 million in cap space heading into free agency. By acquiring Tarasenko via trade, the Wild avoid potential bidding wars and expensive contracts that could arise in the free agent market. The team envisions Tarasenko playing on their second line, providing scoring depth and a veteran presence.

The acquisition of Tarasenko also provides the Wild with flexibility regarding their younger prospects. If prospects like Liam Öhgren and Danila Yurov aren't quite ready for a second-line role, the team can ease them in on the third line, with the possibility of swapping places with Tarasenko later in the season. If the team's prospects aren't ready to make that jump, Minnesota can turn to the trade market at the deadline.