The Carolina Hurricanes fielded several trade offers for star forward Mikko Rantanen ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. In the end, the 28-year-old sniper was sent to the Dallas Stars in a blockbuster deal, with Carolina receiving top prospect Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks, and two third-rounders in return. The trade was briefly delayed while Rantanen and Dallas worked out a contract extension, which ultimately resulted in a massive eight-year, $96 million deal.
Despite the hefty haul, the Hurricanes initially had their sights set on an even bigger prize. According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs made an aggressive push for Rantanen, offering Carolina their top prospect Easton Cowan, No. 2 prospect Fraser Minten, and two first-round picks. However, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported, the Hurricanes countered with a stunning request Mitch Marner.
“The Hurricanes initially asked for Mitch Marner in return for Rantanen,” Friedman wrote. “Because it was for Rantanen, the Maple Leafs had to consider it. They told the winger their desire is to sign him, but they had to ask in this case. As is his right, Marner declined to move, re-iterating his desire to stay.”
Marner, 27, holds a full no-trade clause and is in the final season of his six-year, $65.4 million contract. If Toronto doesn’t re-sign him, he’s expected to be a top target in free agency. Reports suggest Marner is seeking a significant raise from his current $10.93 million salary.
Had the trade gone through, it could have been a win-win for both franchises. Since 2018, Marner has racked up 172 goals and 586 points in 478 games, while Rantanen has posted 240 goals and 565 points in 467 games. However, with Marner standing firm on his no-trade stance, Toronto’s pursuit of Rantanen ended before it could take shape.
