What were the chances of Mikko Rantanen getting traded twice in the same year? I would say as strong as the Chicago Blackhawks making it to the playoffs of the NHL, or maybe as strong as the chances of me completing my daily step count. But it looks like the Carolina Hurricanes may consider showing him the door if they don’t agree on a new deal with him.

I better complete my step count.

I mean, considering he had to join his national team at the 4 Nations Face-Off in the middle of this month, the right winger probably hasn’t even unpacked his spare skates yet. His numbers? He has managed to score two goals and rack up three assists in nine games with the Carolina side. He also just had his first multi-point game with the Hurricanes on Thursday, scoring one goal and setting up another in their 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Now these numbers might not be the greatest, but it’s also true that Rantanen is coming off a 25-goal stint in 45 games with the Avalanche. And that’s probably why NHL insider Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think it’s a good idea for the Carolina Hurricanes to let him go.

Recently, LeBrun shared his views on X while discussing the possibilities of Mikko Rantanen being traded before the deadline approaches. He acknowledged the chances of the player being traded before the deadline, and did not leave any room for interpretation when he wrote “But my point all week is that I think it’s crazy for them to do so.” 

LeBrun further added, “the East is wide open. Go win it with him.” With the Hurricanes sitting in second position in the Eastern Conference right behind the Washington Capitals, they have every chance to make it to the top. And who could be more qualified to lead them there than one of the best two-way wingers in the world?

But while the insider is sure that trading Rantanen would be a blunder, fans have something else to say.

Fans don’t seem to mind Mikko Rantanen leaving

While some fans feel that Mikko Rantanen hasn’t delivered his best, there are others who believe that Carolina isn’t a true contender anyway, so keeping Rantanen wouldn’t make a difference. “How are they going to win it with him when he isn’t scoring?” wrote one fan, questioning LeBrun’s argument for keeping him. “Big problem is they don’t have the team to win a Cup. Either their goaltending fails them or they can’t put up points when they really need them,” another chimed in.

Moreover, some fans also think that the Hurricanes is just not the right camp for him. “But what if Rantanen is simply a bad fit in the Canes’ system? Then keeping him might not help them (or him) all that much but moving on from each other ASAP might.” They further added, “The Canes would certainly get more for him on March 7 than July 1. And they might get someone who’s a better fit.” Not a bad take there. With the playoff knocking on the door, every other team would be looking to get their hands on the Finn if he is put on the market. In fact, one fan has already been picturing him playing alongside J.T. Miller: “MIKKO RANTANEN YOU ARE A NEW YORK RANGER”

But many others think Rantanen could stay on if he replicates his performance against the Buffalo Sabres more often. “If he starts playing like he can, then they can think of keeping him for a run. The way he’s been playing, I don’t see how he helps bring a Cup in Carolina.” But with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that the renewal decision is on Rantanen, the fan also thinks the winger just doesn’t want to play for the Hurricanes anymore. “He’s been disinterested since he got there. I get the return value will be low but you at least get something in return,” they added.

Whatever the opinions may be, only time will tell if Mikko Rantanen stays with the Carolina Hurricanes or moves on. But till then feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the trade.