Rumor mill: Vladimir Tarasenko still doesn't know where he wants to play

Vladimir Tarasenko is still without a contract for next season.

He’s currently the most interesting player still available on the free agent market, and yet his decision is still pending.

Yesterday, the Russian fired his agent and hired Pat Brisson. Tarasenko and his former representative didn’t seem to agree on the quality of the offers he’d received since the start of the summer, and he decided to make another call.

It happens in the world of sport, but the news came as something of a surprise because it’s the middle of summer.

Last we heard, the Sharks, Predators and Senators were all interested in his services. Not necessarily attractive destinations, given his desire to join a Stanley Cup contender.

Elliotte Friedman explains that the player hasn’t signed yet, simply because he hasn’t found what he’s looking for. Will things change with the signing of Pat Brisson?

Cont’d: “I think that one of the things that is going to happen here though is maybe they can find a new situation or new team that he might want to go to”

Tarasenko has changed agents.

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 6, 2023

Tarasenko and Brisson will work together to find a team that meets the player’s needs. It should be noted that the idea of him landing in Carolina had been raised, which would have been in line with what he was looking for…

But the scenario ultimately fell through.

I don’t think we’ll have to wait much longer before we see the final outcome… And it’s interesting in the sense that, at the moment, we have no idea where he’s going to go next.

Where will he play in 2023-2024?

Matt Dumba and the Leafs? Not so fast!

Brad Treliving hasn’t really had a chance to rest since being hired as GM in Toronto.

He’s had to deal with a few issues, and right now Treliving is looking to add a defenseman who can bring character and grit to the Toronto lineup.

To that end, the Leafs have been talking to Matt Dumba… But the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement because the player is too expensive .

Dumba is currently out of contract and the chances of him staying in Minnesota are slim to none.

There is interest in him from all corners of the NHL, and Elliotte Friedman has linked his name to that of the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks, who are expected to trade Erik Karlsson shortly, will be looking for a new quarterback on defense, and this is where the scenario makes sense to me.

The Sharks are also said to be considering Jeff Petry, which is somewhat consistent with the idea of adding Matt Dumba.

Friedman on Dumba (NHL Network): “I don’t know this for sure but suspected that maybe San Jose could have a spot for him there, San Jose is trying to trade Karlsson, they’re still talking to Carolina, they’re still talking to Pittsburgh, at this point in time it hasn’t happened”

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 6, 2023

Alex DeBrincat deal appears imminent

Initially, the Detroit Red Wings were seen as the favorites to acquire Alex DeBrincat. After all, they had some nice pieces to trade before the draft, given that they held the #9 and #17 selections in the last auction…

But in the end, Pierre Dorion was unable to reach an agreement with Steve Yzerman on the terms of any deal.

Then, it was said that the Wings were to be forgotten in the small forward derby…

And now they’re back in the race. They’re back in the game, and Elliotte Friedman even believes that a deal for him is imminent.

The file is progressing, but little by little.

Friedman on NHL Network says Sens & Wings are still actively working on a DeBrincat trade, he wants to play for Detroit. Zadina being placed on waivers gives DET more room to work on a DeBrincat deal. Friedman doesn’t think the trade is that far away, last hurdle is the toughest

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 6, 2023

I can’t wait to see what price the team that acquires him will pay (if it’s not the Wings), because Dorion paid top dollar to get him from Chicago last year.

The Sens GM parted with a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a third-round pick… And the first-round pick, who was installed at No. 7 in the 2022 draft, became Kevin Korchinski, a defenseman with the potential to be among the NHL’s elite in a few years.

Will Pierre Dorion be able to acquire such a fine player in return for one who, in the end, will have spent only one season in Ottawa?

In gusto

– Happy Birthday!

Everyone wish KK a happy birthday 🎉 pic.twitter.com/kFALEjy6Nn

– Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 6, 2023

– Bravo!

OFFICIAL 🖊️

Congrats, Tanner! pic.twitter.com/mlHBfqIMfs

– Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 6, 2023

– Makes sense.

The Trail Blazers are matching Matisse Thybulle’s three-year, $33M offer sheet with the Mavericks, per @wojespn. 👀 pic.twitter.com/2yt96PiKLm

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 6, 2023

– Dominique Ducharme says all the coaches are a little crazy, but they love their jobs. [BPM Sports]

– Bokondji Imama wants to become a regular player in Ottawa next season. [BPM Sports]