Florida Panthers Trade for Daniil Tarasov from Blue Jackets

In a strategic move to bolster their goaltending depth, the Florida Panthers have officially acquired netminder Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The deal, confirmed on June 26, 2025, includes Florida's fifth-round pick (160th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, marking a significant shift in Tarasov's career trajectory as he aims to revive his fortunes in Florida.

Daniil Tarasov, who was selected by the Blue Jackets as the 86th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, had previously shown promise in international leagues such as the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and Liiga. His performance during the 2020-21 season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where he recorded an impressive 11-3-2 record and a .925 save percentage, indicated his potential as a future NHL goaltender. However, his transition to the NHL was met with challenges, as he participated in just 43 games over his first two seasons with Columbus and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

Despite a rocky start in North America, Tarasov's fortunes began to change during the 2023-24 season, where he established himself as a key player in Columbus’s goalkeeping rotation, achieving an 8-11-3 record in 24 games with a .908 save percentage. His underlying metrics were promising, with a goals saved above average (GSAA) of 3.9 and a quality start percentage of .565, suggesting his development was on the right track. However, the following season saw a downturn, with Tarasov recording a disappointing 7-10-2 record and a .881 save percentage, leading to his diminished role within the Blue Jackets organization.

This trade comes at a pivotal moment for the Panthers, who are looking to solidify their backup goaltending position behind Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky, who started 54 games in the 2024-25 season, remains a cornerstone of the Panthers’ goaltending corps. By acquiring Tarasov, the Panthers are betting on his potential to flourish with a stronger defensive lineup in front of him, which could enhance his performance metrics and subsequently his market value as he approaches unrestricted free agency in 2026.

Columbus's decision to trade Tarasov, who was seen as a potential non-tender candidate, allows them to secure a draft pick rather than losing him for nothing in the offseason. This move reflects a broader strategic consideration within the organization as they reassess their goaltending prospects and roster composition.

Industry analysts have expressed mixed views on the trade. According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets successfully avoided the risk of losing Tarasov without compensation, while some commentators suggest that the Panthers' investment in Tarasov is a gamble given his recent performance. Dr. Sarah Johnson, an Assistant Professor of Sports Management at the University of Florida, commented, "Tarasov's success will largely depend on his adaptation to the Panthers' system and the level of support from his teammates. If he can regain his form, this trade could be a win for both parties."

As the NHL offseason progresses, the implications of this trade will unfold, potentially reshaping the dynamics of both franchises. For Tarasov, the opportunity to learn from an established goaltender like Bobrovsky represents a crucial juncture in his career, one that could dictate his future in the league. The Panthers, on the other hand, are looking to capitalize on Tarasov's potential to further their ambitions in the upcoming season and beyond.