The Carolina Hurricanes have been exploring the trade market for Mikko Rantanen after not getting a definitive answer from the winger, and a new contender has emerged in the now financially flexible Florida Panthers.

NHL trade deadline has come to an end, and Stanley Cup contenders in both conferences are loaded up in an arms race. Some of the deals made over the last week will determine which team lifts the Cup in a few months.

Sellers around the NHL from Philadelphia to San Jose, Mikko Rantanen and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were winners at the trade deadline. The Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver's Brock Boeser and the July 1 free agent frenzy were among the losers.