Maple Leafs Insider Lays Out Potential Trade Package for Hurricanes' Mikko Rantanen
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Mikko Rantanen for some time after it was reported that the Carolina Hurricanes would be looking to deal the Finnish superstar.
It is a possibility for the Buds as if they can convince the Hurricanes to retain 50 per cent of Rantanen's contract, his cap hit would be lowered to $2.3 million after the Blackhawks already retained 50 per cent lowering the cap hit to $4.63 million.
The Maple Leafs have +160 odds to win the Atlantic Division and this should be a promising bet as they've been public that they'd like to win the division and solidify a relatively easier first round matchup than having to face Florida or Tampa Bay.
They have an over/under set at 103.5 regular season points and Toronto should be able to easily surpass this following a handful of moves they are slated to make at the trade deadline.
Rantanen is listed with +230 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to be traded but we layed out in an earlier article why we believe he will be moved.
A trade to get Rantanen would certainly put them over the top for both of these bets and Leafs Insider for The Hockey News, David Alter, layed out what a potential trade package could look like and if 28-year-old winger would be a good fit.
"Given what Carolina traded to land Rantanen, my belief is they鈥檇 be looking to trying and recoup nearly what they lost." "Could be 2 of their top prospects. Maybe a first instead of one of those and possibly a roster player like [Nick] Robertson."
This estimated trade package would likely include one or both of Toronto's top prospects in London Knights forward Easten Cowen and Saskatoon Blades forward Fraiser Minten. The Leafs don't have a first-round pick in this upcoming draft but could move their 2026 or 2027 first-rounders.
If they were to trade Robertson, they would be getting rid of one of their more favorable contracts as he has a one-year left on his deal before becoming a restricted free agent with a cap hit at $875k.
The deal would be a big one and would signal an all-in approach for the Leafs this season as they would be selling off two sizeable future assets as well as draft capital.
The Rantanen fit in Toronto would work Alter believes and could give them a solid secondary option to go to if they aren't able to retain pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner this upcoming off-season.
"I think Rantanen would be an excellent fit and a potential option to replace Marner if the latter opts for free agency instead of re-signing."
The Maple Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division with a 38-21-3 record, tied with Florida Panthers, who just traded for a once-stat defenceman in Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. If the Leafs want to get an edge in the divisional race, they will need to make a move and the players are asking for it.
"We feel really confident, really good about our team and our group," "But this time of year, obviously, you see teams adding, and you want to add as well."
A move is certainly coming for Toronto as they waived depth forward Ryan Reaves Thursday, signaling to many insiders that something else is one the way. If they opt to take a swing like acquiring Rantanen, the Division title bet as well as the season points over both look like very promising bets.
Rantanen has recorded just six points in the 12 games since joining the Hurricanes in late January. He has surpassed the 100-point mark in each of the last two seasons but is projected to surpass the 90-point mark in what would be his fourth season in a row.