Updated: Mar 22
After being traded in a blockbuster trade only three weeks ago, Carolina Hurricanes star Mikko Rantanen could already be moved on from Carolina had he decide not to extend his contract in Raleigh.
Rantanen who was traded to Carolina in a massive trade which sent Martin Necas to Colorado, could potentially face his second trade of the season if he doesn't decide he wants to extend his deal with the Canes. The Finnish international was originally traded due to a breakdown in negotiations with the Avalanche as they would not meet his salary extension demands. Rantanen believes he's worth at least between the 13 to 15 million dollar AAV range, but the Avalanche were reluctant to give him more money than Nathan MacKinnon.
The Rantanen trade shook the NHL world as the trade would be one of the biggest in years, but the fans could be shocked again with the potential second trade of the season for Rantanen. A player like Rantanen being traded once let alone twice is something nobody could have expected, and once again highlights how the money aspect of the game is getting worse and worse.
Its likely if the two time 100 point scorer doesn't come to agreements with Carolina they would immediately look to move him on before the trade deadline to avoid another Jake Guentzel situation. After acquiring Guentzel in a massive trade last season from the Penguins, the Hurricanes will definitely not want to end up in the same situation as last year so moving on Rantanen looks a real possibility. Moving Rantanen isn't a massive loss for the Canes, still being a playoff caliber team if he leaves, and could definitely benefit them for the future with a big haul for a player of his level.
But where exactly could Mikko end up? Some of the teams who will be looking to go all in on Rantanen could be the Utah Hockey Club, the Blackhawks, and the Islanders. All three of these teams will definitely have a lot to offer to the Canes, including draft capital, players and prospects, but one team specifically has something bigger to offer than others. With the Islanders looking to shop star Defenseman Noah Dobson, the New York Islanders would be a great team for the Canes to deal with. With New York’s salary cap being one of the highest next year, and the general manager demanding stars and capital back for Dobson, it could be a very smart trade for the Canes to indulge in, and could be a great opportunity, and perfect situation for both parties.
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