With the March 7 trade deadline less than two weeks away, Carolina has to decide whether to keep Rantanen for a Stanley Cup run risking losing him next summer if he doesn't extend his contract, or flip him for assets now to avoid that potential worst-case scenario as it happened to the franchise last summer.

Darren Dreger’s recent X post, dropped a bombshell: the Hurricanes are eager to extend Rantanen, but his uncertainty could push Carolina to consider trading him again. This is a pivotal moment for both teams—and for Rantanen’s legacy.

If Mikko Rantanen becomes available in trade at the deadline, the Maple Leafs were listed as a team that would be interested. How interested?

Rantanen’s world has been upended. He joined the Hurricanes during a road trip. Carolina has played seven games since the trade, but Rantanen missed one with a minor injury. He does have an apartment now in Raleigh but hasn’t spent much time there.

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Finland's Mikko Rantanen had a big game on Saturday. But rumors he may be traded again raise eyebrows, and the Hurricanes must pay big-time to hang onto him, writes Adam Proteau.

Rantanen acknowledged the transition following 10 seasons with the Avalanche, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, hasn’t been easy. He has two points (one goal and one assist) in six games with Carolina after getting 64 points (25 goals and 39 assists) in 49 games with the Avalanche before the trade.

After participating in the 4 Nations, Rantanen is facing questions about his future and adjusting to his new surroundings.

The Carolina Hurricanes made the trade of the season by landing Mikko Rantanen in January. They gave up Martin Necas and Jack Drury to land him, two young forwards with star potential. Rantanen’s contract expires after this season and his negotiations with the Avalanche fell apart.