Vladimir Tarasenko officially joined the Detroit Red Wings after signing a two-year free-agent contract on July 3. Despite being a newcomer, the 32-year-old forward already has some familiarity with his new teammates. He previously played alongside goalie Ville Husso from 2020 to 2022 and was teammates with Tyler Motte and Patrick Kane during his stint with the New York Rangers in the 2022-23 season.
In choosing his next team, Tarasenko consulted with Kane to gain insights about Detroit. “I liked the way the team played last year,” Tarasenko expressed in a Zoom call with the media on July 8. “I decided with the family this is the best decision for us moving forward. We are really excited about it. It’s a new chapter for us. We can’t wait to get to Detroit, get settled and start Training Camp.”
Last season, Tarasenko split his time between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers, tallying 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) in 76 regular-season games. He also contributed nine points (five goals, four assists) in 24 postseason games with the Panthers, helping them clinch their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.
Coming to Hockeytown. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vEJbuzVdGx
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 6, 2024
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2010, Tarasenko has accumulated 629 points (293 goals, 336 assists) over 751 NHL games with the Blues, Rangers, Senators, and Panthers.
Patrick Kane praised Tarasenko’s addition to the Red Wings, noting his winning pedigree and relentless work ethic. “He’s a proven winner,” Kane remarked. “The way he plays, how hard he plays – I think a lot of players will see how hard he works and how much effort he gives every shift. That’s why he has a couple Stanley Cups to his name too.”
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman emphasized Tarasenko’s impact on Detroit’s offense, describing him as a scorer who brings a different dimension to the team’s forward lines. Tarasenko himself expressed readiness to adapt to any role assigned by the coaching staff, including switching to the left wing if needed.
While known primarily for his offensive skills, Tarasenko emphasized his growing appreciation for defensive responsibilities throughout his NHL career. “I still like to score goals,” he clarified. “Not only team, but I have some personal goals too. I never wanted to not play defense.”
Having grown up in Yaroslavl, Russia, Tarasenko revealed a lifelong admiration for the Red Wings, citing their historic influence on hockey worldwide. “Detroit is one of the most famous, if not the most famous team in the world when you talk about hockey history,” he reflected. “Growing up in Russia, a lot of people followed Detroit because of the Russian Five.”
Looking ahead, Tarasenko and his family eagerly anticipate settling into Detroit, especially for the vibrant youth hockey programs available in the city. “We are obviously very happy about the trust from the organization to give us a deal,” Tarasenko concluded. “We can come and settle, just be together as a family.”
