The name Mikko Rantanena buzzes, and it is not just because of his role in Face-Off 4 nations. The Finnish head coach, Antti Pennanen, assured everyone that Rantanen would be ready to go against the US team, but the real question is not about his health – but his future in NHL. With the approaching date of the shop with speculation around his further movement, it became one of the hottest topics in the league.

At the age of 28, Rantanen remains an elite NHL forward, but his situation is anything but stable. His shocking move to the Carolina Hurricanes in the three-team store concerning Colorado and Chicago did not go according to plan. With just two points in six games, his start in Carolina was stunning, and the excitement of his arrival was already worn. Instead of discussing the Hurricanes’s playoff run, the conversation has shifted to whether it will be there even after the beginning of the Postseason.

Rantanen’s contractual situation is a ticking bomb. By 1st July, he will hit unlimited free agency and will not be cheap. The news suggests that it is looking for an agreement similar to the massive eight-year extension of Leon Draisaitl with Oilers for $112 million. This is a steep price for a player who is still trying to find his groove in Carolina.

If the hurricanes soon do not secure the extension, they cannot afford to let him go for nothing. Insider NHL Nick Cypreos has already indicated that Carolina could move him before 7 March if a new agreement was not reached. The Front Office faces a difficult decision: to commit to Rantanen for a long time or to trade it while still having a lever effect.

There is also an elephant in the room – was Rantanen’s dominance in Colorado associated with playing alongside Nathan Mackinnon? Since he joined Carolina, he has not looked like the same force, and he has raised concerns about whether he is a real franchise player or just a top complementary worker.

Finland first but the NHL emerges large

Meanwhile, Rantanen has another mission of Finland in 4 nations of throw-in. This tournament is a perfect stage for him to remind everyone why he is one of the most dangerous wings in the game. When Finland takes over the US team, all eyes will be on it – not as a leader for his country, but as a player with something he can do.

Finland relies on him to be their guy, and that’s exactly the kind of reflector he needs. The international game has always been a force for him, and his dominant performance could silence the doubters and increase its value—whether in Carolina or elsewhere. Do not forget that Rantanen was the performer during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup Run and performed when it mattered the most.

If this tournament brings standout performances, playoffs for top wings could knock and prepare them for other significant shakes in the NHL. So what happens now? If Carolina cannot agree to extend the contract, teams like Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers – how they look at the deep play-off – could put strong pressure on him. Required price? Probably a combination of talents of talents and talents prepared for the NHL.

On the other hand, if the hurricanes decide to gamble and keep it, they will be banking and re-discovering their elite form sooner rather than later. It is a risky bet due to its slow start, but if he finds his step, Carolina might have a superstar to lock in the future.

One thing is for sure – this tournament is not just in Finland. He plays in the NHL for his future. Whether he stays in Carolina, meets with Colorado, or lands somewhere, his next step sends shock waves through the league.