It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The big day has almost arrived in the NHL trade deadline. We’ve already seen a number of big moves before March 7. However, more could be coming as we race towards the finish line. Some clubs are doing their best to make things happen and get some clarity. One team that’s been in the news is the Carolina Hurricanes. This edition of NHL rumours deals with an in-demand that the Canes must decide on.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Latest News Surrounding Carolina Hurricanes Forward
Rumour: A number of insiders have been giving updates on what the future holds for Mikko Rantanen with the Hurricanes.
Decision time for the Canes. 🤔 #TradeCentre pic.twitter.com/DiX49SiYoZ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 6, 2025
Analysis: Carolina has made a push to sign the Finnish star, but it seems his camp isn’t ready to make a decision on their offer. Hence, Carolina is talking to teams to see if a deal could happen. This is according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Rantanen was a big swing made by first-year general manager Eric Tulsky before the Four Nations Face-Off. Carolina management did make a big offer to Rantanen prior to the deadline, but it seems a contract may not be in place by the 3 p.m. EST Friday deadline.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Canes were exploring all options in his 9 p.m. Wednesday update. LeBrun said that its a matter of weighing the best offers versus keeping Rantanen as a rental.
This isn’t the first time that Carolina has made a big move late in the season. Previous general manager Don Waddell took a big chance to land Jake Guentzel at the last trade deadline. However, Guentzel did not end up re-signing and opted to go to the Tampa Bay Lightning last July 1.
What It Means
Carolina doesn’t want to get burned again for another expensive rental. This is why it seems like Tulsky might have to part with one of his first big-name acquisitions sooner rather than later. Letting Rantanen walk for nothing in free agency would be a huge blunder.
There are a number of teams that have asked about the Finn at the deadline. Friedman mentions the Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs as suitors. Any one the teams would love to get Rantanen for their respective Stanley Cup Playoff push. However, the asking price will likely be a high one.
This could a major crossroads for Tulsky early in his tenure with the Hurricanes. Landing Rantanen was a major coup, but he was in the front office when Guentzel walked away for nothing. He’s well aware of what happened over the summer.
There’s always a chance Tulsky doesn’t deal Rantanen and the chips fall where they may. Rantanen could end up signing his big offer and stay in Raliegh long term. However, it would be a massive risk if Rantanen isn’t traded and he gets to free agency on July 1. A number of teams would love to pony up the cash to land a proven goalscorer.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
