At present, discussions surrounding Mikko Rantanen are generating significant buzz in the NHL. The forward for the Carolina Hurricanes is attracting significant attention as he enters the final year of his six-year, $55.5 million contract, which has an average annual value (AAV) of $9.25 million. This was the agreement he entered into in 2019 with the Colorado Avalanche. Nevertheless, following his trade to the Canes in January this year, his future in the NHL remains unclear.

What were his insights regarding the trade? “I was shocked yesterday. I was surprised. I don’t really want to get into too many details, but it was a surprise for sure,” Rantanen remarked after the three-way trade involving the Canes, the Avs, and the Chicago Blackhawks. Numerous supporters believed that Rantanen would carry on his legacy with the Avs, yet the organization had different intentions. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, discussions surrounding his future have intensified.

A hockey insider has now provided a conclusive assessment of the swirling speculations. In a late-night, early-morning update on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman reported, “The biggest news is that Carolina and Dallas have the framework of a trade that would send Mikko Rantanen to Texas. After the two teams agreed on the particulars, the Stars began negotiations on an extension with the winger. Getting that done — or close enough to it that Dallas is comfortable — will be critical to completing the trade.”

Is Rantanen heading to the Stars now? Until there is an official statement from the franchise or the player, everything remains speculative. Friedman emphasized this point, noting, “One of the reasons Dallas pursued Rantanen is the belief he’d be willing to sign there. But nothing is done until it is done.” Among all the teams, what makes the Dallas Stars stand out?

Upon reviewing the NHL standings, it becomes evident that the Canes are positioned slightly lower than the Stars. Despite the fact that the two teams belong to different conferences, Rantanen will undoubtedly seek opportunities that enhance his career prospects. What has been the response on social media to these trade rumors?

All eyes on Mikko Rantanen

Without delay, this supporter commented, “When three different teams don’t want to give you $14M maybe you’re not a $14M player…” Indeed, Mikko Rantanen’s performance has not been up to par with the Canes. In what way?

The forward has participated in 13 matches, netting just 2 goals, providing 4 assists, and totaling 6 points. This statistic originates from an individual who was among the leading scorers for the Colorado Avalanche just a few months prior. This supporter expresses skepticism about a potential trade, remarking, “Feel like this Rantanen trade will fall through…” Another fan commented, “Has yet to sign a Colorado, Carolina, and now Dallas offer. Seriously wondering what’s the deal with this guy.”

Rantanen’s journey in the NHL has certainly been a rollercoaster ride. His move to the Canes took everyone by surprise, especially considering he was among the top players in the Avs. However, he was traded by the franchise in January this year, which surprised many fans and even several hockey insiders. This fan appears to be anticipating a more substantial exchange, as they stated, “Carolina trade Rantanen to Dallas and then flip that haul to the Canucks for Petterson.”

As Rantanen is speculated to depart from the Canes, this fan expresses worry for the Stars, reaching out to the insider with a question: “please…. elliotte… who from dallas is involved???” Time is running out, with just a few hours remaining until the trade deadline closes. What is next for the hockey forward, though, will only become clear with time.