The Carolina Hurricanes have shimmied their way to the headlines yet again with a blockbuster trade. It was only January when the Canes shocked the hockey world. At that time they were entering a three-way tango with the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. And now, they have hit the metaphorical dance floor once more to the tune of another big trade. News emerged that the Mikko Rantanen trade has been done with the Dallas Stars.
Reports are the Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks are going back in return. However, Carolina will also be getting third-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Carolina Hurricanes Make Mikko Rantanen Trade
Rantanen will not suit up in Carolina Red for another game. It comes as a shock to most, though perhaps not to some who have had their ear to the ground. Elliotte Friedman has announced that the 28-year-old Finnish Forward has been dealt to Dallas Stars. The Hurricanes’ return will be a massive one. Furthermore, Rantanen has agreed to an extension with the Stars. The contract has a $12 million average annual value and goes for eight seasons.
Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars are closing in on an extension
8 years, $12M AAV. Would get the deal done.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2025
The power forward only spent 13 games in a Canes sweater and initially came at the cost of Martin Nečas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks. While it is a shame to see him go, too, it would have been a travesty for him to inevitably be lost in free agency after what was spent to acquire him. This is a smart play made by Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky and Stars general manager Jim Nill. For Carolina, they won’t be losing him for nothing after trading such valuable assets to land him in the first place. Meanwhile, his new organization will have the first crack at extending his contract before he even has to hit free agency.
The Mikko Dallas Traded For
Rantanen is big. No, not just in terms of his reputation, but physically. Standing at 6’4” and weighing over 200 lbs, he is a commanding force on the ice and an intimidating one to see speeding your way down the wing. This paired with his physical playstyle makes it crystal clear why they call him “Moose”. And if that doesn’t sound scary enough, double underline the word “speeding” prior to my previous sentence. He is a fast mover, fast thinker, fast passer, and fast scorer. Size does not slow this Finn down.
Outside of that, his agility, precision, versatility, and overall hockey IQ make him an incredibly valuable asset on the ice. Furthermore, his leadership skills, which he greatly improved on as an alternate captain for the Avs, mixed with his dedication to his team and community on and off the ice are bound to make him a popular member of the Stars. Quite frankly, he’s the full package.
What the Mikko Rantanen Trade Means
If we had a nickel for every time the Carolina Hurricanes made waves on trades this season involving this guy, we would have two nickels. Which isn’t much, but it is weird that it happened twice. Rantanen will be missed by Hurricanes fans, as will his new fans. But ultimately, this should be beneficial to both teams. Rantanen’s slow results in Carolina do not represent his usual play. The mindset that comes with an unexpected trade and the collecting team combating illness in the locker room over the course of his first five games are not the circumstances that lead to a great start. If Rantanen is happy where he plays, then fans can imagine that they will be getting to see the same Moose charging through American Airlines Center that so often rampaged in Ball Arena.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
