Report: 8 Contenders Pursuing Mikko Rantanen from Hurricanes

With just two days and counting until the trade deadline hits on Friday at 3pm Eastern, the biggest name out there continues to be Mikko Rantanen. We've heard pretty much definitively that he will not be making a decision on the Carolina Hurricanes' extension offer before the deadline.

The ball is in the Canes' court. Do they keep him for an attempted Cup run for the 2025 playoffs and take their chances, or do they flip him now to ensure they get a big return? Keep in mind that if Carolina retains 50% on his already 50% retained contract, a team could have Rantanen for a measly $2.3 million cap hit for the rest of the season. Almost any front office could find a way to make that work.

With the uncertainty, at least 8 Stanley Cup contending teams don't want to be left flat-footed in case the Canes put him on the market, so they are all keeping a very close watch on the situation.

Carolina basically canvassed the league this week gauging level of interest in Mikko Rantanen.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 5, 2025

According to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Rantanen is No. 1 on his Trade Board, and he has seven teams linked to the superstar:

Pagnotta's seven include, from west to east:

Los Angeles Kings
Vegas Golden Knights
Dallas Stars
Winnipeg Jets
Toronto Maple Leafs
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers

But wait, didn't we say eight teams?

According to New Jersey Devils beat writer James Nichols, count them in as well.

One nugget of info I’m told about the Hughes situation.

Depending on if he hits LTIR or not, I’m told the #NJDevils have already called to let Carolina know if they’re selling Mikko Rantanen, they’ll be in the mix.
— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) March 4, 2025

All of these teams have designs on being a contender to win it all this season. But, of course, so do the Hurricanes, making their decision all that much more difficult.

To be clear, while Rantanen has not agreed to take their offer at this point, he also has not told them he won't. He just needs more time to adjust to the situation.

This is all I need to know.

I’m not moving Rantanen before the deadline. I’m taking the entire 3 months until free agency to sell my franchise to him and his reps. I’m betting on my team, coaches, and my front office every time. pic.twitter.com/dr4TtitB9b
— Tim Donnelly (@DonnellySports) March 5, 2025

Rantanen has six points in 12 games since joining the Panthers.