These 3 under-the-radar free agents could replace Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko’s 2024-25 season went up in smoke, and it raises questions of whether Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would even want him back for 2025-26. Tarasenko has another season left on his contract, and his poor 2024-25 performance is still an outlier, meaning he could enjoy a resurgence when October rolls around.
But if head coach Todd McLellan’s system was the issue, then the Wings need to look elsewhere. Below, I got three cost-effective replacements for Tarasenko, meaning none of them is named Mitch Marner, so don’t ask. Instead, the trio listed had a salary in 2024-25 that was below what Tarasenko made, and they’re all roughly in the same age group.
Still, all of them ended up with a higher shooting percentage than the former Stanley Cup Champion, and they’ve nearly always been reliable forwards throughout most of their respective careers.
Joel Armia, Montreal Canadiens
No, Joel Armia isn’t a points producer, but he’s someone who can put up double-digit goals. It was something we saw over the past two seasons, including 17 in 66 games in 2023-24. This past year, Armia still found the net 11 times, good for a 10.6 shooting percentage, while also clocking in 18 assists.
Armia would likely produce about as well as Tarasenko did this past season, but in this case, the Wings would know what they’re getting, and at a cheaper price. Plus, he’ll bring a much-needed physical edge to the forward group while grinding out likely third-line minutes.
Anthony Mantha, Calgary Flames
Anthony Mantha’s season ended prematurely with the Calgary Flames, and his time there is likely over. But before his injury, Mantha played a pivotal role in the Flames resurgence, putting up seven points and four goals in 13 games, with a ridiculous 26.7 shooting percentage.
Mantha did all of this with lower-line minutes, and it shows just how lethal he still is when in the right system. Of course, health would be an issue if he signed in Detroit, but Mantha played well enough with a small sample size this past season to warrant consideration.
Jeff Skinner, Edmonton Oilers
Laugh all you want, but Jeff Skinner would make an excellent depth scorer on the middle six. He put up Tarasenko-like numbers in points this season, with just 29 in 72 games and his prime is well behind him. However, 16 of those points found the net, and he netted an 11.1 shooting percentage.
