The NHL trade market just got a whole lot more interesting. The Carolina Hurricanes might be ready to move on from Mikko Rantanen just weeks after acquiring him in a blockbuster deal with Colorado.
It’s been a rough start in Carolina for Rantanen. He’s managed just one goal and two points in six games wearing the Hurricanes jersey – not exactly what the team was hoping for when they made the splash move.
The deal that brought him to Carolina last month, which sent Martin Necas to the Avalanche, was one of this season’s biggest trades. Between them, these two stars have racked up an impressive 130 points this season.
But things might be about to get even more dramatic.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos reports that the Hurricanes aren’t waiting around. If they can’t lock Rantanen down with a contract extension soon, they’re ready to move him before the trade deadline.
It’s a stunning development for a player who was supposed to be a cornerstone piece for Carolina’s playoff push. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with the trade deadline looming and teams looking to strengthen their rosters for a Stanley Cup run.
The situation shows just how quickly things can change in the NHL. One month you’re making a blockbuster trade, the next you’re considering shipping that same player out of town.
For Hurricanes fans, it’s got to be a bit nerve-wracking. Their team gave up Necas – a fan favorite and point-producer – for what might turn out to be just a brief Rantanen rental.
