Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/98a98f4c-eebc-4309-884d-3be0e6beddc7.jpeg] After acquiring superstar Mikko Rantanen in late January, it appears the Carolina Hurricanes won't be able to re-sign the Finnish winger ahead of Friday's trade deadline. Reported by TSN's Chris Johnson [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/insider-trading-rantanen-trade-watch-heating-up-devils-look-to-a~3092475], the Hurricanes are actively gauging interest on the pending unrestricted free agent with a gallery of contenders coming up with competitive offers. Rantanen to be traded is listed with +230 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook. NHL (@NHL) on X [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GibLwQlXoAEojZx.jpg:large] NHL (@NHL) on X First point as a member of the @Canes for Mikko Rantanen! 🍎 [https://x.com/NHL/status/1884417527863787671?t=DsKWmVVAgwQCPmmJ7NdzjA&s=19] Rantanen was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Hurricanes in exchange for forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury as well as second- and fourth-round picks. More NHL: NHL Insider Reports Maple Leafs, Stars, Kings Lead as Front Runners in Mikko Rantanen Sweepstakes [https://thehockeynews.com/betting/futures/reports-confirm-mikko-rantanen-not-signing-extension-with-carolina-hurricanes] The Chicago Blackhawks retained 50 per cent of Rantanen's salary when they traded him to Carolina, bringing his current cap hit to $4.63 million. If the Hurricanes choose to deal him, they could retain an additional 50 per cent as they have a retention spot still available and could potentially lower his cap hit to as low as $2.3 million for a trade suitor. The Avalanche have seemingly enjoyed their return from the Rantanen deal with both Necas and Drury fitting in well with their system but Rantanen has struggled to find chemistry with the Canes. Since the trade, Necas has 13 points in as many games while Rantanen has six points in 12 games. The Avalanche continue to rise and appear to be a great team to buy in on while the Hurricanes remain a question mark in betting circles. Carolina has a 36-22-4 record and sit second in the Metropolitan Division. They are certainly contenders but a future on them will heavily depend on the outcome of the situation. If Rantanen remains on the team, he could eventually figure things out and tap into the superstar upside that he has and really put Carolina over the top. If they opt to deal him, they could get an assortment of lineup ready players that could bolster the Hurricanes depth. More NHL: Leafs' Auston Matthews Hopes Toronto Adds At NHL Trade Deadline [https://thehockeynews.com/betting/futures/leafs-auston-matthews-hopes-toronto-adds-at-nhl-trade-deadline] The value as of right now isn't there as they rank second in odds to win the Stanley Cup at +750 tied with the Florida Panthers. The right move would likely be to wait and see as if they choose to add and bolster their team at the deadline, their odds likely won't change as they are already so high. If he does get traded, there's a greater chance their odds fall and could create our only chance to get the Hurricanes at a bargain.
