3 Teams Rantanen Could Be Flipped To By Hurricanes At Trade Deadline

The Carolina Hurricanes traded for Mikko Rantanen in a blockbuster from the Colorado Avalanche and the expectation was that Carolina could have the time to discuss a contract extension. This was definitely a big reason for executing a trade far ahead of the trade deadline.

Rantanen hasn't exactly fit in with the Hurricanes, but it's still early. It has been reported that if the team and player can't get a contract signed, the Hurricanes could flip Rantanen. These are three teams who would show interest if that becomes the case.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are serious Stanley Cup contenders again, but a couple of injuries put a dent in their lineup. With Tyler Seguin done for the season and Miro Heiskanen now on the IR for a while, there is a lot of cap space freed up for the second place team in the Central Division, even with the acquisitions of Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci. If need be, the Stars can move someone out in order to get a game-changer like Rantanen for their run.

The Stars have a lot of cap space freed up after the season as well, so if there's some contract extension talks with Rantanen upon acquiring him, it wouldn't surprise me. Picture Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson leading the top-6 for the next many years. Carolina isn't just giving up on Rantanen. They are going to want a solid return. I see Mason Marchment as part of any deal made.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils' issue is with their forward group. There is the top-end talent, but it tails off significantly after that. While bringing in Rantanen would add another star to the mix, the Devils have a great opportunity with a goalie like Jacob Markstrom on the team for what may just be a short time longer.

Like how it cost the Hurricanes Martin Necas to acquire Rantanen, it could very well cost Dawson Mercer for the Devils to get Rantanen. That wouldn't be a bad trade-off and the Hurricanes would be back to having a player under contract for longer than just this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been linked to Alex Tuch, so why not a step up from that? There is a clear need for another top-6 player to play the right side and Rantanen could fit that as well and play with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel.

The problem with the Lightning acquiring Rantanen is finding what the Hurricanes would be willing to take in return and what the Lightning would give up. The core is staying and I don't think Tampa Bay is keen on parting ways with Nick Paul, so that leaves very few and underwhelming options. If the Lightning could find a way, that would make a huge difference for them in a tight division race.