It’s never a fun day when things don’t pan out how you want them to.
The Detroit Red Wings are learning this the hard way.
On this day, the Red Wings are sitting in third-last place in the Eastern Conference. However, things in the East are so close that the Red Wings are three points removed from last place and five points back from the second Wild Card Position.
While this isn’t the best situation they could be in, it could certainly be worse.
However, things might have been better if they had gotten more out of the newcomer, Vladimir Tarasenko. The Russian forward signed a two-year $4.75 million contract on July 3rd.
Tarasenko has not been producing up to his contract and might not be worth acquiring by a Stanley Cup Playoff-bound team when the trade deadline arrives.
Tarasenko Is Step Behind Last Year
It is safe to say that Tarasenko has not lived up to his $4.75 million contract. With 29 games under his belt, he has accumulated 12 points, of which only four have been goals.
While with the Ottawa Senators last season, the veteran recorded 22 points in his first 29 games. He had six goals over that stretch. While 12 points in 29 games is more than you or I could get in the NHL, it’s a far stretch from the expectations that come with being a top-nine NHL forward.
His Production Has Never Been This Low
Things are so bad that Tarasenko is on pace to have the worst full year of his career.
During his rookie season, he recorded 19 points in 38 games. During a two-year stretch where he played a combined 34 games due to injuries and surgeries, he still recorded 24 points.
This is not the Tarasenko the Red Wings that has shown up this season. In 2024-25 he is on pace for a measly 34 points. This would be the worst point pace production of his entire career.
Other Teams Aren’t Going To Want Him
The best strategy for trading away rentals is to get the best return. If the Red Wings decide to do that with Tarasenko this March, they will be hard pressed to receive a return they value.
While the extra year on his contract will garner a more substantial return by default, it would be well below market value given his production this season.
Things appear bleak for the Red Wings and Tarasenko. With his career-worst season currently playing out, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where another team would want the past-his-prime sniper.
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