Insider: Hurricanes "Willing to go Into the Stratosphere" to Retain Rantanen

The Carolina Hurricanes swung their blockbuster deal to land Mikko Rantanen knowing full well that he will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end. They did the same thing one year ago with their trade deadline acquisition of Jake Guentzel, but this time around, they're hoping that the story doesn't end with their new star being lost in free agency.

To that end, insider Elliotte Friedman notes on his 32 Thoughts podcast that GM Eric Tulsky has already pointed out that they didn't have the cap flexibility last year (for Guentzel) that they have this year (for Rantanen).

They'll throw a ton of money at him... I think they're willing to go to places that they haven't gone before to get (Rantanen) signed. (Previously) they've never shown a desire to go into the stratosphere. And I think they are willing to go there here... I think they are determined to do it.

Nevertheless, Friedman adds that "because of what happened last year with Guentzel, there are people that are skeptical."

The next question, according to Friedman, is what happens if they don't get it done by the March 7th trade deadline? "Is there any chance they say, 'I don't think we're going to be able to do this,' and they flip him again?"

On Tuesday, Rantanen was asked directly if he felt the extra 8th year that the Hurricanes can offer him vs. what others can in free agency would make a difference in his next contract?

I asked Mikko Rantanen if the Canes being the only team that can offer him 8 years on his next contract is a big factor in his free-agent decision: pic.twitter.com/J1teF1HF9L
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 28, 2025

"I guess, yeah, I would say so. But it's one year. It's hard to tell," answered Rantanen. "It's been so quick here with the transition. It's only been four days.

"I've got to be honest; I haven't had any chance to think about an extension. Just trying to get into the group and play well. So I think we'll have to think about those situations in a couple weeks or so."

That still gives the Canes a few weeks to figure it all out before March 7th arrives.

We heard from insider Pierre LeBrun what the astronomical figure is that Rantanen would be looking for as a UFA. The player admitted on Monday that he would have taken less than market value to stay with Colorado... Will he give Carolina that same benefit, is the big question.