In a surprising twist that could shake up the NHL landscape, Elliotte Friedman reports that the Carolina Hurricanes may be preparing to move superstar forward Mikko Rantanen ahead of next season’s trade deadline. According to Friedman, the two sides remain significantly apart on contract extension talks, and Carolina is now open to flipping Rantanen as a high-impact rental—with salary retention included.
The blockbuster acquisition of Rantanen was one of the boldest moves in recent franchise history. After years of coming close but falling short of a Stanley Cup Final berth, Carolina went all-in by acquiring the elite winger to supercharge their offense. And make no mistake, Rantanen delivered. His powerful skating, lethal shot, and elite hockey IQ made an immediate impact in Raleigh. But now, just months later, the possibility of his tenure being short-lived has become very real.
Friedman reports that the Hurricanes are willing to retain $2.3 million of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit in order to facilitate a trade. This opens the door for cap-tight contenders around the league to join the bidding war, potentially giving Carolina a massive return in draft picks or NHL-ready talent. Teams in need of a game-breaking forward, such as the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, or New York Rangers, are already being linked as possible landing spots.
The crux of the issue appears to be term and structure. Rantanen, just 28 and in the prime of his career, is likely seeking an eight-year deal north of $10 million per season. Carolina, with several key players already due for extensions and a known preference for internal cap balance, has so far balked at that price. The result is a standoff that now has league insiders buzzing.
This isn’t the first time the Hurricanes have faced a tough contract situation, but the stakes here are dramatically higher. Rantanen is a top-line force capable of shifting the dynamic of any playoff series. Letting him walk for nothing would be catastrophic. Trading him while he’s still producing at an elite level, especially with retained salary, could fetch a package that reshapes Carolina’s future in a different—but still promising—way.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is how quickly it has developed. Just a few weeks ago, it was widely believed that Carolina would do everything possible to lock Rantanen up long-term. But the lack of progress in negotiations, combined with internal priorities such as re-signing their defensive core and extending Seth Jarvis, seems to have altered the equation.
The Hurricanes have always walked a fine line between aggressive ambition and calculated roster building. Under Eric Tulsky, that strategy may now lean further into long-term vision rather than short-term desperation. While Rantanen would undeniably boost Carolina’s Cup odds this season, the possibility of recouping a top-tier asset or multiple picks might be too tempting to ignore—especially if the front office believes they can’t close the gap in extension demands.
For now, no deal is imminent. But with Friedman reporting that Carolina is exploring scenarios with multiple teams, the writing may be on the wall. The message is clear: if Rantanen won’t commit long-term, the Hurricanes are prepared to move on. It’s a risky proposition, but one that could define the success or failure of this new chapter in the team’s evolution.
Whether fans are excited or anxious, one thing is for sure—this is no ordinary summer in Raleigh. And if Mikko Rantanen is indeed on the move, it will send shockwaves through the entire NHL