In a surprising turn of events, Mikko Rantanen, a former star player for the Colorado Avalanche, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes just six weeks ago. Now, as the NHL trade deadline approaches, reports indicate that he is set to make another move, this time to the Dallas Stars. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, discussions have escalated between the Hurricanes and Stars, aiming to facilitate Rantanen's transition back to a team within the Western Conference.
Late Thursday night, Friedman revealed that a preliminary agreement has been reached between the two teams regarding Rantanen's trade. The deal is not just about the transfer of the Finnish forward; it includes a potential contract extension that the Stars intend to initiate immediately after acquiring him. This strategic move emphasizes the Stars' commitment to securing Rantanen's talents for the long-term.
Further information from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggests that negotiations for a new contract are currently taking place with the express permission of the Hurricanes. Notably, this trade hinges on the successful conclusion of these contract discussions, highlighting the delicate nature of player transactions in the NHL.
As Rantanen prepares to don the Stars jersey, he is set to return to Denver on March 16, facing off against the Avalanche for the first time since his brief stint with the Hurricanes. While neither team has secured a playoff position yet, there is significant potential for a postseason showdown between Colorado and Dallas, possibly in the first round. The implications of this trade could be monumental, affecting the dynamics of the Central Division.
Rantanen’s return to the market stems from his reluctance to sign a contract extension with the Hurricanes prior to the trade deadline. Carolina had previously invested heavily in acquiring him, trading Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks to bring Rantanen on board. However, his performance since the trade has been underwhelming. After playing his 13th game with Carolina, Rantanen has managed only two goals and four assists, a stark contrast to the over 100-point pace he maintained while with the Avalanche.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes are on Stars GM Jim Nill to see if he can meet the demands of Rantanen's camp and finalize the deal. The hockey world is watching closely, and fans can expect more updates as the situation develops.
With the NHL trade deadline set for Friday at 1 p.m., further developments in Rantanen’s trade saga are inevitable. Keep an eye out for additional reports, as the landscape of the league could shift dramatically in the coming hours. Don’t miss our coverage of the latest trades, including the recent acquisition of Brock Nelson by the Avalanche from the Islanders.
