Report: Dallas Stars Have Framework for Mikko Rantanen Trade, Pending Contract Extension

Mikko Rantanen was a member of the Avalanche six weeks ago before suddenly being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes. And according to the latest reports, he’s heading back to the Western Conference as a member of the Dallas Stars before Friday’s trade deadline.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported late Thursday night that talks were intensifying between the Hurricanes and Stars to ship the Finnish forward to Colorado’s Central Division rival. Hours later, Friedman said that a framework of a deal was agreed to between both clubs, with a possible contract extension coming in the early morning hours.

Meaning, the Stars would be acquiring Rantanen and instantly signing him to a contract extension.

READ MORE: Necas on Rantanen Speculation: ‘They Probably Should Have Known That He Would Sign In Carolina’

Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli later added to the report. He said that the Stars and Rantanen’s agents are actively negotiating a new contract — with Carolina’s permission — and a trade is conditioned on an extension.

It’s unclear at this time what that deal could look like. But all signs are pointing towards Rantanen being moved as long as Stars GM Jim Nill is able to meet the demands of Rantanen’s camp.

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If Rantanen joins Dallas, he’ll be back in Denver on March 16 to take on the Avs for the first time since being moved in late January. Neither team has locked in a playoff seed yet, but there’s a huge possibility that Colorado and Dallas could meet in the postseason and likely in the first round.

We’ll see how it plays out before Friday’s 1 p.m. deadline.

Rantanen was back on the market because of a refusal to sign an extension with the Canes before the deadline. Carolina traded Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks to acquire him and was unwilling to risk losing him as a free agent on July 1.

Rantanen has also struggled since leaving Colorado. After playing on Thursday for Carolina, Rantanen finished his 13th game with the club and has just two goals and four assists. It’s a far cry from the 100-plus point pace he was playing at with the Avs.

More to come.