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When Vladimir Tarasenko was considering his options as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, among the players he spoke to was Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane.

Tarasenko and Kane had a short stint as teammates on the New York Rangers before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, which created a sense of familiarity between them. In light of this connection, Tarasenko’s wife, Yana, reached out to Kane’s girlfriend, Amanda Grahovec. Kane recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Red Wings on June 30, having played for them last season. Consequently, both Kane and Grahovec were able to offer insights to the Tarasenkos about living in the Detroit suburbs and the experience of playing for the Red Wings.

On July 3, Tarasenko successfully signed a two-year contract worth $9.5 million ($4.75 million average annual value) with Detroit.

On Monday, Tarasenko expressed his appreciation for the team’s performance last year, stating, “The way the team played last year was really impressive.” He further revealed that after careful consideration with his family, they have collectively concluded that this is the optimal choice for their future, and they are genuinely thrilled about it.

Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015), was in favor of the idea of bringing in a seasoned veteran forward like Tarasenko. Tarasenko, who recently won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers and previously with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, caught Kane’s attention. Last season, the 32-year-old recorded 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) in 76 regular-season games while playing for both the Panthers and the Ottawa Senators. Following his trade to the Panthers on March 6, Tarasenko contributed 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 19 games.

“Obviously you get excited about that and then [Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman] called me as well, just asking about him as a player,” Kane said. “I think he’s going to be so good for the group. Obviously he’s a proven winner, but just the way he plays, how hard he plays, I think a lot of players in general, not just young guys but the whole team will see how hard he works and how much effort he gives every shift and that’s why he has a couple Stanley Cups to his name too.”

Last season, the Red Wings (41-32-9) narrowly missed out on a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They were edged by the Washington Capitals for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference due to the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-27). However, Kane and Tarasenko believe that this season holds promise for Detroit to finally break their eight-season drought and make it to the postseason.

Tarasenko emphasized that he is not someone who simply shows up to socialize and have a good time without striving for victory. His contribution of nine points (consisting of five goals and four assists) in 24 playoff games played a significant role in Florida’s successful Cup win. He expressed his genuine love for winning and his determination to support the organization in reaching new heights. Despite already securing a second Cup, Tarasenko will give his all to help the team progress further. His decision to join the team stems from his admiration for their playing style and his belief that they have the potential to make it to the playoffs and achieve extraordinary accomplishments.

Last season, Kane witnessed the fruits of his labor firsthand. Despite his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023, he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract on Nov. 28 and managed to accumulate an impressive 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in just 50 games. With his newfound confidence, the 35-year-old forward is optimistic about the potential for him and the Red Wings to further improve upon their achievements from the previous season.

Kane expressed his belief in the presence of expectations for the upcoming season, which he considers a positive aspect. He emphasized the importance of having these expectations from fans, media, and players alike, as it motivates the team and organization to progress further. Kane eagerly looks forward to being involved in this process and aims to contribute towards a successful regular season, ultimately leading to another opportunity to compete in playoff hockey.

Having spent his initial 16 NHL seasons in Chicago, Kane swiftly adapted to life in Detroit, prompting him to make the decision to extend his contract just hours before he could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

He expressed, “Personally, I had a strong desire to return to Detroit and be back in the city. I believed it was a perfect match for me last year. I have a great fondness for the team, and our experience living there was truly enjoyable.”

In addition to re-signing Kane and signing Tarasenko, Detroit signed goalies Cam Talbot (two years, $5 million) and Jack Campbell (one year, $775,000), forward Tyler Motte (one year, $800,000), and defenseman Erik Gustafsson (two years, $4 million), and re-signed forward Christian Fischer (one year, $1.125 million).

Fischer desired to rejoin the Red Wings for reasons akin to Kane’s.

According to the 27-year-old, the most significant aspect is the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional group. “When you consider the return of ‘Kaner’, a player of his caliber, who had numerous options to choose from, along with Tarasenko, it’s gratifying that most of the players we signed also had several choices and ultimately chose us. It’s reassuring to know that they share my perspective.”

Throughout their careers, Kane and Tarasenko have predominantly been rivals. Tarasenko, who spent his initial 11 seasons with the Blues, often competed against Kane and the Blackhawks as they were frequent adversaries in the Central Division. Therefore, the notion of potentially joining forces on the same line, which was not possible during their time with the Rangers, holds a significant allure for both players.

Tarasenko expressed his amazement, stating that playing together as a line with someone he had competed against for many years seemed unbelievable to him at the time.

Kane expressed, “In my opinion, it seems like a great match. Although we both excel as right wingers and have left-handed shots while playing on the opposite side, I believe that when it comes to hockey, the specific position doesn’t necessarily dictate success. Therefore, one of us will need to make a switch, but I genuinely believe it would work well.”