Hurricanes’ Shocking Pivot: Mikko Rantanen’s Future Takes a Dramatic Turn
In a surprising twist to the ongoing saga between the Carolina Hurricanes and star forward Mikko Rantanen, the franchise appears to be reconsidering its stance. Despite speculation that Carolina was pressuring Rantanen to sign a contract extension before the March 7 trade deadline, fresh reports suggest they may be willing to keep him whether or not he commits long-term.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Hurricanes remain in active discussions with Rantanen’s camp and are no longer aggressively pursuing a trade. Speaking on Coast to Coast, Seravalli debunked prior rumors, stating:
“Carolina and Rantanen’s camp are very much still engaged in talks. The team has already offered a franchise-record deal, knowing what it would take before acquiring him. While they haven’t received a definitive answer, I’m told that even if Rantanen outright refuses, the Hurricanes may still hold onto him.”
Despite earlier reports suggesting Carolina would move Rantanen if he declined their massive $13–$14 million contract offer, Seravalli now believes they will only trade him if the return package significantly boosts their Stanley Cup chances.
“If they get a firm ‘no,’ they’d need an immediate upgrade to their roster. They recognize how difficult it was to acquire a game-changer like Rantanen and still believe he fits their system, even if his production has dipped,” Seravalli explained.
The Hurricanes landed Rantanen, 28, in a blockbuster three-team trade with the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. However, his transition to Carolina has been rocky, with just five points in nine games.
Seravalli’s report contradicts prior claims from NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) and David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period), both of whom previously suggested Carolina was pressuring Rantanen into a decision. Friedman had even indicated that multiple teams including Toronto, Vegas, Dallas, Winnipeg, and Florida were closely monitoring the situation, anticipating he could hit the trade market.
Additionally, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that Carolina initially presented Rantanen with a nine-figure contract offer during the 4 Nations Face-Off, but the forward has yet to commit.
With the trade deadline approaching, the uncertainty surrounding Rantanen’s future in Raleigh continues to take unexpected turns. Will the Hurricanes hold onto their prized forward, or will a last-minute offer force their hand?
