Oilers face new Vladimir Tarasenko twist as unexpected interest emerges
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Ak Bars is showing interest in bringing Vladimir Tarasenko home to the KHL, but insiders say a return to Russia remains unlikely for now.
Vladimir Tarasenko is still sitting on the open market in the middle of August, and the longer this drags on, the more it seems like teams outside the NHL are starting to circle.
According to Artur Khairullin of Sport Express, KHL club Ak Bars has expressed interest in bringing Tarasenko back to Russia.
Khairullin added that he would rate the odds of an actual return as slim, which suggests this is more of a monitoring situation than a real threat for now.
Artur Khairullin: Re Vladimir Tarasenko: "[KHL team] Ak Bars is showing interest in him, but I'd rate his chances of returning to Russia as slim."
NHLRR: "Tarasenko was linked to Edmonton earlier in the summer, but it's unclear which teams still have interest."
NHLRR: "Tarasenko was linked to Edmonton earlier in the summer, but it's unclear which teams still have interest."
Still, it is a name NHL front offices should be watching closely, especially in Edmonton.
Oilers were tied to Tarasenko earlier in the summer
Tarasenko was linked to the Oilers back when free agency opened, with Edmonton viewed as a logical landing spot given its need for a middle six scoring winger who can play alongside Leon Draisaitl.
That interest has gone quiet in recent weeks, and it is unclear which teams, if any, are still actively pursuing him.
The Oilers have not added a forward of that caliber this offseason, and their window with Connor McDavid and Draisaitl still under contract is not getting any wider.
Time may be running out to close a deal
Whether the hesitation is about term, money or simply waiting out the market, the risk now is that Tarasenko gets tired of waiting and starts seriously weighing his options overseas.
A two time Stanley Cup champion with 327 career goals still has plenty to offer a contender, and if Edmonton wants a shot at adding him, sitting back much longer could mean losing out entirely.
Ak Bars showing interest does not mean Tarasenko is heading to the KHL, but it should be enough to light a fire under any NHL team still on the fence.
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