As the Minnesota Wild gear up for the start of free agency on July 1, the franchise's offseason plans are starting to take shape, with one of their veteran forwards moving toward entering the open market.
The decision, however, has caused some confusion and conflicting reports over how that process has unfolded and whether or not there's tampering involved.
Forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who spent last season with the Wild after signing a one-year deal, is expected to test to reach free agency and explore his options in the market after wrapping up his age-34 season in Minnesota.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Tarasenko is “headed to market” after recording 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games last season.
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Perhaps the most important thing about LeBrun's report is the fact that he noted Tarasenko recently changed agents, hiring Dan Milstein in the process. According to LeBrun, Milstein “has permission to speak directly” to other teams “ahead of Wednesday,” when the market is set to open.
The last part of LeBrun's report is what caught the Wild's and fans alike's attention. If Milstein had really told LeBrun that he's already able to talk to other organizations about Tarasenko, then the Wild must have allowed him to, and that'd constitute tampering.
Fellow The Athletic reporter Michael Russo, conveying a message from the Wild, said the team didn't grant any permission for Tarasenko’s new agent to speak with other clubs ahead of free agency.
“Not only does Milstein not have permission from the Wild, the league recently warned all teams they cannot give blanket permission for UFA’s to do this,” Russo reported. “You can trade rights and then they can talk to that specific team.”
In a separate conversation on X, Russo also pointed to the NHL's firm stance on tampering.
“Players become free agents at noon July 1,” Russo wrote. “There’s no courting period in the NHL. Milstein is saying he has permission to talk to every team now. Not only can teams not give that kind of permission, (Wild GM Bill) Guerin says he did not give Milstein any permission whatsoever.”
If Tarasenko’s agent told LeBrun (or anyone else outside the Wild organization) that he had permission to engage in negotiations (a permission the Wild deny granting him), then the situation will inevitably raise questions about potential tampering under NHL rules.
“I’m saying wild say he does not have permission, so if Milstein told LeBrun this, he’s tampering,” Russo added.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, discussing tampering back on May 29, tampering fines could be hefty.
"Permission for a UFA to talk to other teams is a no-no," said Friedman. "The fine for tampering can be up to $5 million, and people can be suspended, and you could lose draft picks."
Neither Tarasenko nor his representatives have publicly addressed the discrepancy.
