Vladimir Tarasenko still unsigned as rumors with Canadian team really heat up

It's late August and one of the more productive scorers still available on the open market hasn't found a team.

Vladimir Tarasenko posted 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games with the Minnesota Wild last season, adding five more points across 11 playoff appearances, yet he remains without a contract heading into training camp.

The 34 year old switched agents to Dan Milstein earlier this offseason, a move many read as a signal he wanted a fresh start somewhere new.

That hasn't stopped teams from circling.

Daily Faceoff raised the question directly, asking whether Tarasenko could still be Oilers bound.

Edmonton has been tied to the winger since the opening days of free agency, largely because the Oilers still need another finisher who can slide into their middle six and give a second unit some scoring punch alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

He wouldn't be asked to drive a line, just finish the chances created by Edmonton's stars, which fits the role Jack Roslovic vacated when he signed elsewhere.

Tarasenko's last deal carried a $4.75 million cap hit, and most reporting suggests Edmonton would need him closer to $2 million to make the fit work.

Ottawa has also been mentioned as a suitor in recent weeks, along with Buffalo, Tampa Bay and Utah depending on how their own free agent pursuits shake out.

With camps opening soon, the runway for Tarasenko to find the right situation is shrinking fast, and Edmonton still has the cleanest offensive fit on paper even if the price tag hasn't lined up yet.

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