​The Edmonton Oilers may not have finished shaping their forward group, as veteran winger Vladimir Tarasenko has emerged as a potential late-summer target. Based on reporting from several Edmonton-based writers and comments from Elliotte Friedman on a recent 32 Thoughts podcast, the 34-year-old winger could present an intriguing option for Edmonton. After the team explored signing Claude Giroux, it seems Edmonton remains open to adding a veteran presence, and Tarasenko is among the most notable unrestricted free agents still available.
Last season with the Minnesota Wild, Tarasenko posted 23 goals and 47 points. It’s uncertain how much he has left in the tank, but on the right contract, he could be a smart, team-friendly addition who brings both scoring and playoff experience to a franchise still pursuing a Stanley Cup. His ceiling as a scorer, combined with a proven track record in high-stakes games, makes him an appealing fit for a team that has not yet closed the chapter on a championship run. If Tarasenko’s market has cooled, Edmonton has shown a history of attracting players who feel they can improve their odds at signing more favorable terms there, suggesting the Oilers could be an appealing destination for him.
Tarasenko’s combination of shot talent and offensive instincts could mesh well with elite playmakers like Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, especially on the power play. If new head coach Mike Babcock aims to distribute scoring duties more broadly, Tarasenko might receive opportunities that others before him—Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Andrew Mangiapane—did not. There are legitimate questions, however. Craig Berube’s decision may have reshaped the Oilers’ coaching plans, as the veteran coach’s withdrawal from Edmonton’s late-stage pursuit forced management to pivot toward Mike Babcock after negotiations reached a standstill. The absence of Berube means Edmonton had to recalibrate its priorities and timeline, potentially increasing the appeal of Tarasenko if the price and usage align with the team’s needs.
Some analysts, including Matheson, have raised concerns about whether Tarasenko’s reduced foot speed would fit Edmonton’s preference for a faster, transition-oriented style. Additionally, it remains unclear what Tarasenko is seeking on the open market. The Oilers are keen on preserving cap space as they prepare for the season, meaning any potential deal would require a price that accommodates future flexibility. If Tarasenko’s demands approach last season’s salary, around $4.75 million, Edmonton would likely pass; a discount would be necessary for a signing to make sense financially.
In the broader context, Tarasenko’s potential arrival would be a signal that Edmonton is willing to absorb a veteran presence to bolster their forward corps and push toward a deeper playoff run. His experience and scoring ability could complement Edmonton’s high-end talent and provide a veteran counterbalance to the team’s young core. Whether Tarasenko lands with the Oilers will hinge on a combination of his reported price, his willingness to accept a role that matches the team’s speed and structure, and how the Oilers’ remaining cap space lines up with the rest of their offseason plan. For now, Tarasenko remains one of the more intriguing unrestricted free agents still on the market, and Edmonton’s ongoing pursuit underscores their readiness to add veteran experience as they chase a championship.