As we swing back into the season after the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NHL rumours mill hasn’t missed a beat. Multiple teams are considering spicing things up at the trade deadline while some are working on extensions. Late February and early March are notorious for transactions in high volume. It is the time teams try to get things in order for the post-season. It is also the time teams try to start things on the right foot for the upcoming season.
The Carolina Hurricanes are no different in this endeavour, as first-year General Manager Eric Tulsky prepares his own team for the upcoming games. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we’ll go over the latest we have heard on Carolina’s adventures in management.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Carolina Hurricanes Power Forward’s Future with Team Uncertain
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman reported in Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines that Mikko Rantanen has been offered a sizeable contract during the 4 Nations break, which he believes “goes into the nine-digit range”. Additionally, Darren Dreger of TSN has stated that the Hurricanes forward is debating whether he desires to sign an extension in Carolina. Dreger further shared that the Hurricanes are continuing their discussion with his agent, Andy Scott, and remain clear in their goal to extend the 28-year-old Finn.
Analysis: Despite seeking the ink on paper and the ability to drop the dollars on him, the rumours around the NHL make it sound like the possibility of Rantanen remaining with the Hurricanes appears to be thinner than initially anticipated. Crunching the speculated numbers Friedman mentioned, the lowest contract would be somewhere in the ballpark of $104 million ($13 million for eight years).
However, even if the Hurricanes offered him high numbers, chances are that the two parties may not reach an agreement for a matter other than money. According to Friedman, Rantanen did not say yes or no, but that he needs more time to process what all has happened.
How We Got Here
It isn’t a pretty situation, to be honest. In late January, Carolina lost Martin Nečas, Jack Drury, and draft picks to land Rantanen. During his time with the Colorado Avalanche, Rantanen stood as one of the premier forwards in the NHL. Shining on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon, the former alternate captain was a mainstay in Colorado and incredibly valuable to the team.
However, contract negotiations reached a stalemate with General Manager Chris MacFarland throughout the season. Unable to agree on a number, the Avs sent Rantanen to Carolina. “Mikko Rantanen was completely caught off guard by the trade and was very upset,”’
St. Louis Blues Rinkside Reporter Andy Strickland said regarding the situation. “Colorado showed very little to no interest in attempting to re-sign him over the last several months.”
His first games in Carolina weren’t ideal for a first step into a team. Between illnesses and injuries, the lineup was in a constant state of change. The inability to begin building chemistry in these early games, alongside the team break as he went to the 4 Nations Face-Off soon after, can certainly impact the speed at which one can adjust. His average points per game with the Hurricanes come in at 0.43, a stark difference from his 1.31 PPG with the Avs. The biggest worry for the Hurricanes at this time is that he will end up as a playoff rental like Jake Guentzel last season. However, with the current rumours floating around the NHL, this does not seem like it will be likely.
Where It Can Go
There are honestly too many directions this can go, but let’s narrow down the biggest takeaways. Namely, what teams he could go to if he does not sign in Carolina. As for those teams who could be interested, it’s hard to say at this point in time. However, Friedman seems to believe that clubs such as the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs may be interested in him if they can land a lengthy contract.
The first crack at signing him long-term before he even becomes a free agent is always a benefit. If Tulsky plays his cards right and includes partial salary retention to get his “now numbers” low, even teams short on cap space could employ his services and get an extension in the works. Nonetheless, whatever habitat Rantanen finds himself in, at least it is unlikely to be a rental.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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