Tarasov signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Panthers on Tuesday, according to PuckPedia.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov will take over the backup role to Sergei Bobrovsky in the short term, as Vitek Vanecek had that gig during the team's most recent Stanley Cup run. Tarasov had a 7-10-2 record, a 3.54 GAA and an .881 save percentage over 20 appearances with Columbus in 2024-25. Considering the Panthers' success and the fact that they're returning most of their core, Tarasov should make for a decent plug-and-play option when he's between the pipes during the 2025-26 campaign.

Tarasov was brought in via trade by the Panthers from the Blue Jackets on Thursday in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent, so the Panthers still have to get him under contract ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The 26-year-old backstop saw action in 20 games with Columbus this year in which he posted a 7-10-2 record to go with a 3.55 GAA, .880 save percentage and one shutout. Tarasov will head into the upcoming season as the No. 2 option behind Sergei Bobrovsky, who is entering the final year of his contract and is 36 years of age -- opening the door for Tarasov to potentially be the netminder of the future in Florida.

Tarasov stopped four of six shots in Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov was pulled after just 4:26 of Sunday's contest and replaced by Elvis Merzlikins. Tarasov conceded two early goals and was credited with the loss. Overall, the 26-year-old netminder has a 7-10-2 record with a 3.55 GAA and a .880 save percentage in 20 appearances this season. With the Blue Jackets falling out of the wild-card race in the Eastern Conference, Tarasov may get a few more starts to round out the regular season. However, it is best to fade him in all fantasy formats amid his struggles this season.

Tarasov will guard the road net Sunday in Ottawa, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov appeared in relief of Elvis Merzlikins on Thursday, stopping all four shots he faced against Colorado in a 7-3 loss. This will be Tarasov's first start since March 15. The 26-year-old netminder is 7-9-2 with an .883 save percentage this season.

Tarasov turned aside all four shots he faced after replacing Elvis Merzlikins early in the third period of Thursday's 7-3 loss to the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old continues to be used sparingly, but that could be about to change. Tarasov hasn't given up more than three goals in an appearance since Jan. 23, posting a 2.50 GAA and .913 save percentage over his last six outings. Meanwhile, Merzlikins has a ghastly 5.11 GAA over his last five starts. With the Blue Jackets' playoff chances hanging by a thread, coach Dean Evason might have little choice but to give Tarasov a bigger workload.

Tarasov saved 24 of 27 shots on goal in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov surrendered two goals in the first period and one more in the second which would be enough for the Senators to seal the win at home. However, Tarasov kept Columbus' net tidy throughout the final 30 minutes of the contest. The 26-year-old goaltender now has a 7-9-1 record with a 3.49 GAA and a .882 save percentage in 18 appearances this season. Tarasov has lost two of his last three starts and has allowed three goals in each of the outings. It is best to fade Tarasov for the rest of the season in fantasy.

Tarasov is expected to start on the road against Ottawa on Saturday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov is making his first appearance since allowing three goals on 20 shots en route to a 4-0 loss to the Rangers on March 15. He's 7-8-2 with a 3.52 GAA and an .881 save percentage in 17 appearances in 2024-25. Ottawa is tied for 18th in goals per game with 2.92.

Tarasov (illness) will serve as the backup netminder for Monday's road game against the Islanders, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov was unable to suit up for Friday's game against the Penguins due to an illness, but it's encouraging that he'll be able to dress as the backup to Elvis Merzlikins on Monday. The Blue Jackets have an upcoming back-to-back set that includes games against the Canucks on Friday and against the Senators on Saturday, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Tarasov draw the start in one of those matchups.

Tarasov will be unavailable for Friday's road game against the Penguins due to an illness, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elvis Merzlikins will start Friday's matchup, while Jet Greaves will serve as the backup due to Tarasov's illness. Tarasov should tentatively be considered day-to-day ahead of Monday's road game against the Islanders, although he's seen sporadic playing time in recent weeks, starting in just three of the Blue Jackets' 12 games since the 4 Nations break.

Tarasov stopped 17 of 20 shots in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Tarasov's three-game winning streak came to a close as the Blue Jackets' offense couldn't solve Igor Shesterkin in this contest. The 25-year-old Tarasov has allowed just 10 goals over his last four outings, providing solid goaltending in the backup role, though he'll operate as the starter until Elvis Merzlikins (personal) returns to the team. Tarasov is down to 7-8-2 with a 3.51 GAA and an .882 save percentage over 17 appearances this season. The Blue Jackets have a back-to-back next week (Thursday versus the Panthers, Friday versus the Penguins), so Tarasov shouldn't have to wait too long for his next start.