The Buffalo Sabres have surfaced as a possible destination for Vladimir Tarasenko, and the fit makes sense if their other free-agent plans don’t come together.
Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News’ main site listed Buffalo among four teams that could make a run at the veteran winger. The wrinkle, as Gaudio pointed out, is Patrick Kane.
If the Sabres land Kane, Tarasenko may not be a natural fit. If they miss, though, Buffalo could turn to the 34-year-old as a strong alternative.
"If they land Kane, they likely wouldn’t find much use for Tarasenko, but if they miss out, adding the 34-year-old to their lineup would be a big get," Gaudio wrote. "Tarasenko’s ability to score on the power play and make plays at 5-on-5 is a valued skill set, and one the Sabres would love to add to their lineup."
That kind of production would give Buffalo another skilled winger for its top nine, and Tarasenko’s track record suggests he could fill that role right away. A former 40-goal scorer, he would bring scoring punch and versatility to a lineup that could use another proven offensive threat.
If Buffalo did make the move, Tarasenko would have options for where he fits. His most obvious landing spot would be the third line, but he could also be asked to handle second-line minutes. Either way, he’d be an immediate candidate for power-play duty.
Tarasenko spent this past season with the Minnesota Wild, where he played 75 games and finished with 23 goals, 24 assists and 47 points. Those numbers show he’s still producing at a solid level, which is why a short-term deal could make sense for Buffalo.
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