Report: Carolina Hurricanes exploring Mikko Rantanen trade

The Carolina Hurricanes are considering all options as Mikko Rantanen has yet to sign a contract extension. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, GM Eric Tulsky is exploring the trade market on Rantanen, who doesn't appear willing to get an extension done before Friday's trade deadline, leaving Tulsky in a tough spot.

Friedman reports:

According to multiple sources, the Carolina Hurricanes are doing their Mikko Rantanen due diligence, checking out potential returns as either a rental or with an extension — assuming he’s willing to sign anywhere before July 1.

Among the teams believed to be very interested are Toronto, Dallas and Los Angeles — although that’s a ridiculously incomplete list. Who wouldn’t want him at a $2.3 million cap hit, if Carolina retained 50 per cent of Rantanen’s salary. But, a trade return would be much better for the Hurricanes if Rantanen agreed to extend with a new team, something else everyone’s trying to determine.

Rantanen has put up two goals and six points in 12 games in Carolina, as it's quite obvious the shock value of the trade hasn't worn off. Rantanen was blindsided by the Avalanche and thought he had more time to negotiate an extension in Colorado. Now, at this point, anything is on the table.

The Hurricanes are now looking to see if they can cash in on Rantanen, who immediately gives any team a top-line left winger, a Stanley Cup champion, and someone who has 101 points in 81 playoff games. If Tulsky decides to retain salary on Rantanen's $4.6 million cap hit, he may be able to acquire a package that includes a current NHL star, a top prospect, and multiple draft picks. 

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