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Red Wings revealed exactly what they thought of Vladimir Tarasenko

The Detroit Red Wings just pawned off Vladimir Tarasenko for future considerations. Meaning they gave the winger away for nothing.
ByTodd Matthews|
Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (11) stretches during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (11) stretches during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Well, that didn't take long. The Detroit Red Wings just traded winger Vladimir Tarasenko for future considerations, per the team's X account.

This trade comes after Tarasenko put up an abysmal season in Hockeytown, and moving him should surprise nobody. But, trading him for future considerations? It shows us that general manager Steve Yzerman couldn't wait to show Tarasenko the door.

And, can anyone blame him? Tarasenko was supposed to come in and help the Wings reach the next level. Instead, he wound up holding the team back. That said, giving away Tarasenko for nothing is a good move. Because, honestly, he wasn't worth much to begin with following the 2024-25 campaign.

Steve Yzerman made the right move to give Tarasenko away

Whether Tarasenko proves to be a good fit for the Minnesota Wild or not is irrelevant. The guy was terrible in Hockeytown, logging just 11 goals, 33 points, and a minus-13. This came right after he won a Cup with the Florida Panthers and had a chance to bring the Wings back to the glory days they enjoyed before this current epoch.

Now, the Wings have an opportunity to bring in a forward who won't disappoint so much. One who could actually produce for them as they look to nix this playoff drought before it hits Season No. 10 during the centennial year.

So now the question is, will the Red Wings make any big moves to acquire a forward, or are they about to surprise us with who should be a better free agent signing? It's a question we could see Yzerman answer tomorrow when free agency kicks off.

Is there someone in the prospects pool Yzerman's looking to move up?

I couldn't see him bringing up Nate Danielson just yet, despite putting up a solid first season in Grand Rapids. Also, Michael Brandsegg-Nygord is at least a year away from any sort of full-time status with the big club.

Carter Mazur could be one to watch, as he was supposed to see extended time in Detroit before an injury took him out of action. Elmer Soderblom could be another name on the shortlist, as he'll undoubtedly look to make the jump to full-time status in 2025-26.

I'll be very interested to see which way Yzerman goes here. But if it were me, I'd be looking for a top-six forward this week. Someone in the middle of their prime, yet won't break the bank. If Yzerman does that, he can still give players like Mazur and Soderblom more than enough time with the big club, and the Wings could be looking pretty good.

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