Insider Dispels 3 Myths on Mikko Rantanen & the Hurricanes

There's been endless talk in the last couple of weeks about the Carolina Hurricanes being ready to flip superstar Mikko Rantanen by next Friday's deadline if they don't get some assurances that he's willing to stay in Raleigh. Potential suitors, marquee teams and trade returns have been discussed.

But what's the latest that's really happening in Carolina? Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff appeared on the Sports on Prime broadcast Thursday night to dispel some myths making the rounds, and gives up the latest scoop.

What’s going on with #Canes and Mikko Rantanen?

Sources indicate even if Carolina gets a hard “no” on contract extension, they are “very much” willing to keep Rantanen for playoff run.

Latest on @SportsOnPrimeCA tonight:pic.twitter.com/AGbwN6Ol5X
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 28, 2025

The first myth Seravalli dispels is the one that the two sides are stalled in negotiations, and that the Hurricanes are in any way surprised by the numbers:

"The Carolina Hurricanes and Mikko Rantanen's camp are still very much in active conversations," said the insider. "They've put a franchise record offer on the table.

"They knew what the parameters were going to be before acquiring him. They actually got permission to speak to his camp before pulling off the deal (with the Colorado Avalanche). They knew what he'd be looking for, and feel like they're in the neighbourhood to meet that."

Next, is the myth that they've somehow gotten an indication that indicates that he's not really interested in staying:

"They haven't got an answer yet one way or the other."

Third, the myth that a trade is inevitable if they don't get him to agree to an extension:

"I'm told that even if they get a hard no from Rantanen, that they will very much consider keeping him...

"In order to deal him, they'd need to go out and get a better deal in return that improves this team's chances to win the Stanley Cup."

The Canes gave up a lot in their blockbuster trade with the Avs, surrendering the vastly improving Martin Necas (who is on pace for a career-high in points, and already has set a personal best in assists this season), among other assets. They will not rest with a Rantanen return that leaves them worse off than they were before the original deal.