Several days ago, it was announced that former Rangers forward Vladimir Tarasenko had signed a new contract with the Detroit Red Wings and it was revealed yesterday that former Rangers Patrick Kane was directly involved in his decision.
Both men played on the Rangers in the 2023 season as deadline pickups. It was apparent that they had formed a great bond even though their time was short as teammates. Tom Gulitti of NHL.com explained that Tarasenko's wife Yana had called Kane's girlfriend Amanda Grahovec to get a sense of what it was like to play for the Red Wings.
"It would be amazing," Tarasenko said. "We played against each other for so many years, and if somebody told me at that time we would play together as a line, I would be like, 'There is no way.»
Both Tarasenko and Kane are now multiple Stanley Cup winners as Tarasenko won in St Louis and recently with the Florida Panthers. Kane, who spent the bulk of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks is a three-time Stanley Cup winner. https://x.com/m_bultman/status/1810651302529061088
"I think it would be a good fit," Kane said. "I know we both are natural right wingers, kind of left-handed shots playing the off side, but I think when you're playing hockey it doesn't really matter what position you're in. So one of us would have to make a move, but I think it would be a good fit."
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman announced that Tarasenko had signed a two-year deal worth $9.5 million who holds a cap hit of $4.7 million while Kane signed a one-year extension for $6.5million and hold the cap hit of $4 million.
It's clear that the team is preparing to make a major jump in the standings and wanting to get back into the playoffs and it seems this Rangers connection could do that for them.
