Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet and the Toronto Star is a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ aggressive pursuit of rental winger Mikko Rantanen. The Leafs should “rise above the rest and make this incredibly consequential trade going into the playoffs and a crucial off-season,” according to the report that it appears the Carolina Hurricanes will have a difficult time getting Rantanen signed. This allows a number of teams to make a pitch.
Kypreos contends that the Toronto Maple Leafs must move quickly to take advantage of this unique opportunity to sign a top rental winger. Toronto could easily fit the great forward under the limit because the Chicago Blackhawks will keep half of his $9.25 million salary charge, and if he is transferred again, Carolina or another team may do the same. The only thing left to do is to have the assets to return in a trade that the Hurricanes are interested in.
He continues:
“Rantanen could be the ideal rental player if the Leafs can meet the Hurricanes’ trade demands, which should be met with a package that includes one of their top prospects, Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten, plus Bobby McMann and a draft pick.”
Why Is Rantanen the Maple Leafs’ Ideal Fit?
In order to complement Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares, the Leafs have been searching for a top-tier secondary scorer. They have also had trouble with their power play. Rantanen is capable of becoming better than any other player who will be available in both categories.
His on-ice performance isn’t the only thing that makes him so enticing. The fact that he is available for such a modest wage is the reason. According to Kypreos, “players of his caliber are rarely made available — let alone twice in one season.”
Maple Leafs by Mikko Rantanen
A potential addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs is Mikko Rantanen.
Furthermore, if all goes well, Rantanen’s addition would be more than a temporary boost to a postseason run. According to Kypreos, Rantanen might grow to enjoy Toronto, and the Leafs could try to sign him if Mitch Marner decides to go in free agency.
The Ezoic Maple Leafs must outshine their rivals.
Now that Matthew Tkachuk is out, Florida may be interested in Rantanen, thus the Leafs would need to offer more than the Stanley Cup winners. Additionally, since Vegas is in on everyone, they will have to outbid them. Expect others, including Edmonton, to step up.