During the 2024 NHL offseason, the Detroit Red Wings signed forward Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year, $9.5 million contract. The expectation was that Tarasenko would provide the Red Wings with some much-needed secondary scoring in their middle six.
Unfortunately, Tarasenko never found his fit and struggled mightily with the Red Wings. In 80 games with Detroit during the 2024-25 season, the 2010 first-round pick had just 11 goals and 33 points, a career low for Tarasenko. This kind of offensive production was far below expectations from the veteran forward.
This would end up being Tarasenko's lone season in Detroit, as the Red Wings traded him to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for future considerations this past summer. It was understandable that the Red Wings moved him, as he had a tough year in Detroit.
Now, with the end of the regular season here, it is clear that this is a move that has been very good for the Wild.
Former Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko is thriving with the Wild
Getting a fresh start has certainly been beneficial for Tarasenko, as he has had a strong bounce-back season with the Wild. In 72 games this season, the 34-year-old forward has recorded 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points. With numbers like these, the four-time All-Star is proving that he can still make an impact in the NHL at this stage in his career.
Tarasenko is currently ranked third on the Wild in goals, so he has undoubtedly been one of their top snipers this season. To make matters worse for the Red Wings, the Wild didn't have to give up anything to acquire Tarasenko. This move, by all accounts, is a home run for Minnesota.
Consistency has been the name of the game for Tarasenko throughout the season. In his last 14 games for the Wild, the former Red Wings forward has recorded seven goals and 10 points. These are some solid numbers from the 6-foot-1 forward, and it is apparent that he is making a big impact for the Wild.
The Red Wings, on the other hand, have struggled to generate offense in their final leg of the season. They put together just 80 goals in their last 30 games, good for 20th in the NHL. The Wild, for reference, have 104 goals -- sixth in the league.
Tarasenko putting up numbers like these with the Wild one year after he struggled with the Red Wings is certainly tough to see for Detroit fans. It's especially frustrating when you consider that the Red Wings moved him for nothing. It will be interesting to see how Tarasenko finishes off the season with Minnesota, but is clear that this campaign has been a successful one for the 14-year veteran.