Hurricanes are activivly shopping super star forward Mikko Rantanen

 

Prior to Friday's trade deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes have contacted teams to see if they are interested in forward Mikko Rantanen, according to a report by Chris Johnston of TSN on Thursday's "Insider Trading."

Johnston also stated that Rantanen will not sign a contract extension prior to the trade deadline. This summer, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

On January 25, the Hurricanes purchased Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Jack Drury, Martin Necas, and a second and fourth-round selection.

In 12 games since joining Carolina, Rantanen has only managed two goals and six points. Prior to the transfer, the 28-year-old has played in 49 games for the Avalanche, scoring 25 goals and scoring 64 points. Last season, he scored 104 points and scored 42 goals.

 In the trade that sent Rantanen to Carolina, the Chicago Blackhawks kept half of his contract, bringing his current cap to $4.63 million. If the Hurricanes decide to move him before the deadline, they may keep up to another 50% of him, which would reduce his budget cost to as low as $2.3 million for an acquiring team.

Only with the team he is on at the trade deadline can Rantanen sign an eight-year contract.


In his 631 games overall, the Finn has 289 goals and 687 points. With 34 goals and 101 points in 81 postseason games, Rantanen has also been outstanding in the playoffs. He and Colorado won the Stanley Cup in 2022.

At 3 p.m. ET on Friday, the trade deadline is set.