Hurricanes and Ducks Linked to Potential Pre-Deadline Blockbuster

Mikko Rantanen is finally starting to hit the scoresheet with the Carolina Hurricanes, as it hasn't been the smoothest transition for the one-time Colorado Avalanche forward. Since the trade it's taken Rantanen a bit more time than expected to get his feet under him, and speculation has brewed regarding another trade out of Carolina.

What we do know is that Rantanen has said he's not willing to sign the Hurricanes' current mega-offer, and that he needs more time to consider staying put. Which has sparked significant trade rumors from several insiders, so it's going to be fascinating to watch how 'Canes GM Eric Tulsky handles Rantanen before the trade deadline if he is indeed, unsigned.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned how the Hurricanes have an advantage when it comes to the ability to offer Rantanen an eight-year deal, but the fact is a trade is still potentially in play, and perhaps a non-contender takes a look and antes up to Tulsky's massive asking price:

If Rantanen does get to the trade market, I wonder if a non-contender that wanted him for the future would get involved. There would have to be permission to talk, and the knowledge he’d sign. This is purely in my head, but a team like Anaheim, which wants to take another step and took big swings last summer (Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos). That might also improve Carolina’s return. But, again, this is all speculative. The goal is to keep Rantanen.

The Ducks have loads of cap space to make it work with Rantanen long term, and they have some good young forwards in Mason McTavish and Trevor Zegras would could be potential trade candidates if a deal does materialize. There's also goaltender John Gibson who has mentioned he prefers a move to Carolina if he is given a change of scenery ahead of the trade deadline.

Keep an eye on the Ducks and Hurricanes, something big could be announced before the trade deadline next Friday.