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.
All things considered, the Hurricanes' decision to trade Rantanen out of the Eastern Conference underscores two facts: their belief that Toronto is a legitimate playoff threat and their trust in their chances of making the postseason and, possibly, facing the Maple Leafs this spring.
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.
This wasn’t just any trade offer, but the Hurricanes had no interest in sending Rantanen to the Maple Leafs. And their reasoning had nothing to do with the players, picks, or financial aspects of the deal.
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When is the NHL trade deadline time? The 2025 NHL trade deadline is Friday, with Mikko Rantanen and Brad Marchand among the targets. Follow the latest trade news here.
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