Florida Panthers Bolster Goaltending with Daniil Tarasov
The current Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, have acquired goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, thus strengthening their roster for the upcoming season. This strategic acquisition seeks to secure the goaltending position, key to the team’s success. The transfer was finalized on Thursday, with the Panthers sending a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Tarasov. This move is seen as a long-term investment, seeking a potential successor for the experienced Sergei Bobrovsky, who has been fundamental in recent championships. Tarasov, 26, is a restricted free agent and represents a younger option compared to Bobrovsky, who has been the Panthers’ goaltender during their two consecutive championships. An interesting fact is that Tarasov and Bobrovsky come from the same Siberian city, Novokuznetsk, and Tarasov’s father, Vadim, was Bobrovsky’s idol. The Blue Jackets will receive the 160th pick in this weekend’s draft.With the possible departure of Vitek Vanecek, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, the Panthers are now focusing on renewing key contracts. Among them are the playoff MVP, Sam Bennett, the reinforcement acquired at the trade deadline, Brad Marchand, and the central defender Aaron Ekblad.“On behalf of the Blue Jackets, I would like to thank Daniil for his contributions to our organization over the past four years. He is an exceptional young man, and we wish him and his family all the best in the future,” commented Don Waddell, General Manager of the Blue Jackets.
Don Waddell, General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets
