The Florida Panthers have officially begun their 2025 offseason process. Bill Zito's first move of the summer was to address the backup goalie situation, which he did. The Panthers have traded for Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov. In exchange, Florida gave up one draft selection in this year's NHL Entry Draft.
For those who have been keeping attention with the Cats' objectives this offseason, one of them was to figure out the backup goalie situation, and Zito figured it out by getting another player he has ties to. Tarasov was a draft pick, suggested by Zito during his time as an assistant under Jarmo Kekäläinen in Columbus.
When he was with Columbus, Bill Zito felt Daniil Tarasov had the highest talent ceiling of any goalie in their system. https://t.co/2f9OvDYi7s
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 26, 2025
This is a great deal for Florida. The only asset that thet are giving up is a fifth-rounder. That's excellent value for an individual who's still only 26 years old. On top of him still being young, the Russian goaltender is also big, coming in a 6-foot-5 and 203 pounds. Tarasov has shown flashes of being a good goaltender in the league, but has also had some rough outings.
For instance, last season, he recorded his first career shutout against the Rangers in a shootout loss on January 18, 2025. Unfortunately, he gave up more than two goals in most of his outings last season as well. That includes an ugly 7-2 loss to the Capitals early last November. Now, to be fair, he wasn't alone in his struggles.
From the same hometown in Russia, Bobrovsky grew up watching his dad.
— Steve Goldstein (@goldieonice) June 26, 2025
And Daniil grew up watching Bobrovsky, and idolizing him. He has had big moments against the Panthers, so jacked up to play that game vs. Bob.
Pretty cool. https://t.co/ewfOYAlpgt
Columbus starter Elvis Merzļikins posted the second-worst single-season save percentage of his career last season(.892). While the Jackets could score, they weren't one of the best defensive teams in the league, ranking 25th in goals against(267). A goaltender can only perform as good as the team in front of him, and Columbus hasn't provided enough defensive support for either of their goalies.
When it comes to last season, Tarasov posted a 7-10-2 record with an .881 save percentage and a 3.54 goals against average. Overall, in 65 career NHL games, Tarasov has recorded an .898 save percentage and a 3.44 goals against average. He's picked up 19 career wins. One of the more fascinating aspects about the newcomer is his similarities to Sergei Bobrovsky.
Both are Russian-born goaltenders. Both have made their way through the Columbus franchise before coming to the Florida Panthers. The timing of each joining the Panthers is nearly similar in age, just a difference in five years. Bobrovsky signed his massive free agent contract at 31 while Tarasov just turned 26.
Also, and more importantly, both are from the same hometown of Novokuznetsk, Russia. Tarasov once looked to Bobrovsky as an ascending goaltender. Now, they will be teammates, and Tarasov will have a chance to learn and grow under Bobrovsky. There is a world where he can be the next starting goalie of the Panthers, once Sergei calls it quits.
There is still a contract that needs to be agreed upon. Tarasov is a restricted free agent. However, this won't be an issue at all. A contract extension of anywhere between two to three years should be in play for both parties. This is a very good deal for the Panthers. As for Columbus, this is also great as they get back a pick in the fifth round after dealing theirs to Minnesota back in November. They are sold on Jet Greaves being a regular in the league.
Florida Grade: A+
Columbus Grade: A+