The Vladimir Tarasenko and Edmonton Oilers rumor is one of the more intriguing developments to emerge after the opening wave of NHL free agency. Edmonton has a legitimate need for another proven scoring winger, Tarasenko remains unsigned, and the Oilers finally possess enough salary-cap flexibility to consider adding an established name.
However, this is not yet a report that Edmonton has submitted a contract offer or entered advanced negotiations. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman raised the possibility of the Oilers looking at Tarasenko after hearing that several teams checked on the veteran winger once the initial free-agent rush settled down.
My immediate read is that Tarasenko could help Edmonton if he accepts a short, team-friendly contract. He can still finish scoring opportunities, contribute on the power play and move throughout the top nine. The concern is whether adding another aging forward addresses Edmonton’s actual need for more speed.
Why Vladimir Tarasenko Fits the Edmonton Oilers
Tarasenko demonstrated during the 2025-26 season that he still has useful offensive hockey left. The 34-year-old recorded 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 75 games with the Minnesota Wild. It was the ninth 20-goal season of his NHL career and a significant improvement from the 11 goals and 33 points he produced with Detroit the previous year.
He also finished tied for third on Minnesota in goals despite averaging less than 15 minutes of ice time per game. Tarasenko remains dangerous when he receives the puck in a shooting position, particularly from the faceoff circles or when attacking open space created by elite playmakers.
That is where the Edmonton fit becomes interesting.
Playing Tarasenko beside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could give him more quality shooting opportunities than he received in Minnesota. He would not need to carry the puck through the neutral zone or drive an entire line. His assignment would be simpler: find soft areas, get his shot away quickly and convert the opportunities Edmonton’s centres create.
Tarasenko could also provide another option on the second power-play unit and move into the top six when injuries occur. His extensive playoff experience would be valuable for a team built to compete for the Stanley Cup immediately.
The veteran winger also finished the season strongly, producing seven goals and 11 points over his final 15 regular-season games. During his late-season resurgence, Tarasenko publicly emphasized the importance of continuing to work and “earn my spot,” suggesting he understands that his role is no longer guaranteed based solely on reputation.
Vladimir Tarasenko Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 906 | 327 | 382 | 709 | 50 |
| Playoffs | 132 | 51 | 27 | 78 | -17 |
Can the Edmonton Oilers Afford Vladimir Tarasenko?
Yes, the Oilers can afford Tarasenko, but the contract amount would determine whether signing him is a smart use of their flexibility.
PuckPedia currently projects Edmonton with $5,925,834 in cap space, a $98,074,166 projected cap hit and 22 players on its active roster. The NHL salary-cap ceiling for 2026-27 is $104 million.
Here is my salary-cap projection based on Edmonton’s current position:
| Potential Tarasenko cap hit | Edmonton’s remaining cap space |
|---|---|
| $2.5 million | $3,425,834 |
| $3 million | $2,925,834 |
| $3.5 million | $2,425,834 |
| $4.75 million | $1,175,834 |
These calculations do not include future recalls, injuries, performance bonuses or additional roster transactions.
Tarasenko’s previous contract carried a $4.75-million annual cap hit, but that price would leave Edmonton with little operating flexibility. He is now an unrestricted free agent after completing the two-year, $9.5-million agreement he originally signed with Detroit.
In my view, Edmonton’s ideal range would be approximately $2.5 million to $3 million on a one-year contract. That would reward Tarasenko for returning to the 20-goal mark while allowing general manager Stan Bowman to preserve enough room for injuries and an in-season addition.
A contract worth $4 million or more would be considerably harder to justify.
Why Tarasenko Might Not Be What Edmonton Needs
The strongest argument against signing Tarasenko is speed.
Edmonton is light up front and could use a winger capable of replacing some of Jack Roslovic’s 21-goal production. However, whether Tarasenko, Patrick Kane or Anthony Mantha would provide the pace Roslovic brought to the lineup.
Tarasenko remains a capable shooter, but he is no longer a dynamic transition player or relentless forechecker. Edmonton already has several experienced forwards who are more effective when the game slows down. Adding another veteran scorer could make the lineup more skilled without making it faster.
The underlying numbers also suggest Tarasenko should not be expected to drive a line independently. He has a 49.0 percent expected-goal share at five-on-five, a minus-3.8 relative expected-goal percentage and a 44.0 percent Corsi share during the 2025-26 season. Those results do not erase his scoring value, but they reinforce the idea that he needs to play with teammates who can transport the puck and create possession.
Edmonton must therefore decide what it values more: another experienced finisher now, or the flexibility to pursue a faster and more complete player during the season.
My Verdict on Vladimir Tarasenko and the Edmonton Oilers
Tarasenko makes sense for the Oilers as a one-year value signing, not as a major free-agent investment.
At approximately $2.5 million, the potential reward outweighs the risk. Edmonton would be adding a nine-time 20-goal scorer who could play in the middle six, finish chances beside McDavid or Draisaitl and provide additional playoff experience.
At $4 million or more, I would pass. That amount would reduce Edmonton’s cap flexibility without solving the team’s need for greater pace, forechecking pressure and defensive reliability on the wing.
The Oilers can afford Vladimir Tarasenko. The more important question is whether they can afford to spend their remaining flexibility on a player who may duplicate strengths they already possess.
For now, this remains an informed free-agent connection rather than confirmation of a contract offer. The longer Tarasenko remains unsigned, however, the more realistic a discounted one-year agreement becomes.
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