Given the dismal 2024–25 season, it is unclear if general manager Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings would even want Vladimir Tarasenko back for 2025–26. Since Tarasenko still has one season left on his contract and his subpar 2024–25 play is still an anomaly, he might see a comeback come October.
However, the Wings must go elsewhere if the problem was with head coach Todd McLellan’s system. I’ve included three reasonably priced Tarasenko substitutes below; none of them are Mitch Marner, so don’t ask. Rather, the three individuals listed, who are all essentially in the same age range, earned less in 2024–2025 than Tarasenko did.
Nevertheless, they all finished with a greater shooting percentage than the past Stanley Cup champion, and for the majority of their careers, they have all been dependable forwards.
Joel Armia, Canadiens, Montreal
Joel Armia is capable of scoring double-digit goals, but he is not a point contributor. Over the previous two seasons, including 17 in 66 games in 2023–24, we witnessed it. Armia recorded 18 assists and 11 goals, enough for a 10.6 shooting %, during the previous season.
Armia would probably produce on par with Tarasenko from the previous season, but the Wings would know what they’re getting in this instance, and at a lower cost. Additionally, as he grinds out probably third-line minutes, he will give the forward group a much-needed physical edge.
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