Vladimir Tarasenko's stalled market gives the Maple Leafs a short-term scoring option

Vladimir Tarasenko remains unsigned as we begin August and with Toronto needing a top-six scoring threat - he gives them that on a potentially affordable deal.

Tarasenko, 34, still remains as one of the premier free agents available ahead of the 2026-27 season. Coming off a 23-goal, 47-point season with the Minnesota Wild, it was a bounce back season after a down year in Detroit and continued to show he's a scoring threat despite his age.

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With 327 career goals, two Stanley Cups, and the veteran leadership needed to help guide younger players in the NHL, Tarasenko would be a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they look to solidify their lineup with one last final piece.

Tarasenko adds a proven finisher beside Matthews but doesn't automatically solve things

Elliotte Friedman reported that Toronto was adamant about adding one last difference maker before the season starts, and with Patrick Kane heading to Chicago that leaves them with one less option. Tarasenko would still provide a solid chunk of offence in the top-six and provide Matthews with another talented goal scorer who can help take some pressure off.

He's also got 75 goals and 189 points on the power-play so while he may not be a first-unit option for Jim Hiller, he would fit comfortably on the second unit and still get plenty of opportunities.

It's less about finding that perfect partner for Matthews and more about adding insurance behind him and making sure that he isn't overworked offensively. There's minimal commitment too as Tarasenko's contract will likely come with a one or two-year pact, though Toronto does need to make room financially (they are $2.75M over the cap).

But even if they were to bring him along on a PTO and sign him later on (as they did with Steven Lorentz and Max Pacioretty in the past) it would provide a cheaper option for the Maple Leafs without the need to give up additional assets in a trade.

Tarasenko only fits if he drops his price and Toronto clears the required room

Going based off his previous deals in Ottawa and Detroit/Minnesota he made $5M AAV and $4.75M AAV respectively. Coming off a 23-goal season is likely going to stabilize his price at that range if he decides to sign a contract and not a PTO.

Bringing him along does have risks too despite his bounce back season. Prior to that, he fluctuated between solid seasons (23 goals in 2023-24 and 2025-26) and mediocre by his standards (18 goals in 2022-23 and 11 goals in 2024-25) so he's a bit of a wild-card now as opposed to earlier in his career.

Still unsigned as of August 3, Tarasenko might not be viewed at the same value by other teams and again, Toronto needs to make sure they add enough cap space through other means in order to bring him in.

With him likely headed towards the twilight of his career, a one-year deal would allow Tarasenko to contribute meaningful minutes while rebuilding his stock for a contract in 2027 where he can potentially earn a bit more money and gives him a chance to compete. However he may not get that long-term flexibility given his age and unstable production.

Toronto benefits because they add a player in their win-now window who can help but also preserve flexibility in the future if Tarasenko doesn't work out for a year.

Tarasenko has the credentials and resume to be a proven scorer and reliable option beside Auston Matthews and the rest of the top-six, but Toronto can only sign him if his price drops, Toronto clears space, and Jim Hiller can find him a proper spot in the lineup - easier said than done.

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