Bruins rival lands Stanley Cup champion ahead of NHL transfer deadline

A Boston Bruins rival made a significant deal before Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

The Panthers acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the Senators for draft selections. Florida will contribute a 2024 fourth-round pick, which will be converted into a 2026 third-round pick if it wins the Stanley Cup, as well as a 2025 third-round pick. Ottawa retains 50% of the All-Star forward’s salary.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Tarasenko had a “strong say” in the move because his contract included a no-trade clause. According to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch, he wanted to be traded to the Panthers so that he could be close to his family. The 32-year-old also has a close relationship with fellow Russian Sergei Bobrovsky. It is the forward’s second trade in as many seasons, after the Blues sent him to the Rangers last season. Tarasenko joined with the Senators last summer following a brief stint in New York.

Flordia’s deal allows them to elevate Nick Cousins and Carter Verhaeghe up the lineup, giving head coach Paul Maurice and his staff more resources in their pursuit of a championship after losing to the Vegas Golden Knights last season.

Bruins fans may be familiar with Tarasenko from his time with St. Louis in the 2018-19 Stanley Cup playoffs. He led the Blues in scoring with 33 goals during the regular season and 11 in the playoffs. Tarasenko scored three goals in the Stanley Cup Final against Boston, helping St. Louis defeat the Bruins in seven games.

The Panthers were three points ahead of Boston in the Atlantic Division following the Bruins’ overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers at TD Garden on Tuesday. Tarasenko has 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 57 games with Ottawa this season.