Report: Mikko Rantanen Could End up Back in Western Conference

The Mikko Rantanen trade rumors won’t go away.

It’s been almost six weeks since the Avalanche shocked the hockey world by shipping Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a deal involving Martin Necas and Jack Drury. Rantanen was supposed to — and still could — be the missing link for Rod Brind’Amours club to get over the hump in the playoffs.

But after a slow start with his new team and an unwillingness to sign a contract extension before Friday’s deadline, Rantanen found himself back in the trade rumor mill.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday evening that Carolina canvassed the league to gauge interest in the two-time 100-point performer. Among the teams he listed as interested parties are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings.

He noted that there are more than likely others who are interested.

The Leafs are in the east, but a Rantanen trade back to the West could lead to a series against the Avs this spring. Especially if it’s the Stars who end up acquiring him. There’s a big chance Colorado and Dallas could face each other in the first round, whether it’s as the No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup or if the Avs remain in a wildcard seed and the Stars catch Winnipeg for tops in the Central Division.

Rantanen has two goals and four assists in 12 games since the trade. His struggles are in part because he hasn’t yet adjusted to a new system and because his ice-time has dropped nearly three minutes per game. It also doesn’t help that he had spent the majority of his NHL career playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Not having those guys anymore is an adjustment in itself.

The Hurricanes are trying to lock up Rantanen to a max-term deal and made an offer in February for upwards of $100 million. While he hasn’t denied interest in signing in the future, Rantanen reportedly told the Canes that he’s not yet ready to commit.

It’s well documented that the trade caught him by surprise and committing to another team isn’t yet something he’s ready to do.

The trade deadline is at 1 p.m. MT on Friday. Carolina could still choose to keep him and make a run with hopes of signing him before July 1. But this is still something worth keeping an eye on as we inch closer to the deadline.