The Toronto Maple Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving have been active in the trade market. Throughout the season, Treliving has attracted interest from a wide range of players. Perhaps the most prominent name of all is one of the most recent names to surface in trade rumors. Several teams have expressed interest in Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen, who may be dealt again this season.
The Colorado Avalanche sent the Finnish winger to Carolina on January 24 as part of a three-way deal. Taylor Hall was also acquired by the Hurricanes as part of the exchange. Martin Necas and Jack Drury were heading the opposite direction to the Avalanche from the Canes. However, it’s worth noting that the Chicago Blackhawks were also involved in this agreement. They kept 50% of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap charge in exchange for a third-round pick from Carolina.
If general manager Eric Tulsky and the Hurricanes are unable to persuade Rantanen to accept a contract extension, he will most likely be traded again. Furthermore, there were claims that Carolina had offered Rantanen a new deal for “nine figures.” However, communication between the player and the team has remained quiet since then. Many teams are lined up to sign Rantanen because of the lower cost and potential for increased retention. The Maple Leafs are one of the teams in line, and Treliving is considering all options.