Florida Panthers Acquire Promising Goaltender Daniil Tarasov from Columbus

Florida Panthers Acquire Promising Goaltender Daniil Tarasov from Columbus
June 26, 2025 — Sunrise, FL

The Florida Panthers have secured a potential future cornerstone in goal, acquiring 26-year-old Russian goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fifth-round pick (160th overall) in the upcoming NHL Draft .

Tarasov, standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and hailing from Novokuznetsk, Russia, brings both size and regional chemistry to the Panthers’ crease. He and veteran starter Sergei Bobrovsky share the same Siberian hometown, adding a compelling narrative layer to the move .

During the 2024–25 season split between the NHL and AHL, Tarasov posted a 7–10–2 record over 20 games for Columbus, achieving a .881 save percentage and a 3.54 goals-against average. He also earned his first NHL shutout on January 18 versus the New York Rangers .

In terms of career metrics, Tarasov’s cumulative NHL numbers include 19 wins, 34 losses, and 6 overtime defeats across 65 appearances, with a .898 save percentage and 3.44 GAA . Additionally, during stints with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL, he posted a solid 17–12–3 record.

The Panthers wasted no time integrating him into their roster depth chart. On July 1, the team announced terms on a one-year contract reportedly worth $1.05 million, positioning Tarasov as Sergei Bobrovsky’s primary backup and possible successor in the next few seasons .

“To bring in someone of Daniil’s caliber and potential, with that connection to our leadership in Sergei—it’s a strategic and symbolic fit,” said Panthers GM Bill Zito .

Why the move matters

Long-term planning: At 36, Bobrovsky is nearing the twilight of his prime. Tarasov’s youth and skill make him a logical candidate to assume a starter’s role when that time comes.

Cultural connection: Tarasov brings natural camaraderie, sharing roots with Bobrovsky and even tracing lineage—through his father Vadim—to the seasoned netminder’s early hockey inspiration .

Cap and depth flexibility: The addition is cost-effective, and the Panthers still have cap space to address upcoming free agents and extensions.

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Quick roster context:

Player Status Role

Sergei Bobrovsky 36, starter Reigning starter for 2 Cups
Daniil Tarasov 26, acquired Backup-to-starter in near future
Vitek Vanecek Departing UFA Replacement needed
Spencer Knight Traded earlier Cubbed elsewhere

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Bottom line: By acquiring and signing Daniil Tarasov, the Panthers not only bolster their goaltending depth for the short term but also strategically prepare for the future—keeping the momentum rolling as they chase a third consecutive Stanley Cup.

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