General manager Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs have been heavily involved in the trade market. There has been a boatload of players Treliving has drawn interest to throughout the season. One of the latest names that have pooped up in trade rumours might be the biggest name of all. Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes has caught the eye of many teams, who could potentially be traded again this season.
The Finnish winger was traded back on Jan. 24 by the Colorado Avalanche in a three-way deal that moved him to Carolina. The trade also included Taylor Hall to join the Hurricanes. Going the other way to the Avalanche from the Canes were Martin Necas and Jack Drury. However, it’s important to note that the Chicago Blackhawks got involved in this deal, too. They retained 50 percent of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit in exchange for a third-round pick from Carolina.
Now, if the general manager Eric Tulsky and the Hurricanes can’t get Rantanen to sign an extension with them, chances are he’ll get moved again. Furthermore, there were reports that Carolina offered Rantanen a new contract involving “nine figures.” However, it’s been quiet between the player and the team since then. Many teams are lining up for Rantanen at a cheaper price and the opportunity for more retention. The Maple Leafs are one of those teams in line and Treliving is exploring all the options.
Rantanen Potentially on the Trading Block
Rantanen isn’t an asset the Leafs are in dire need of by any means. Toronto’s No. 1 target is a middle-six centre who can play the third line and provide on the second line if needed. However, there’s no denying that players like Rantanen don’t become available often and it’s worth taking a chance. When the 28-year-old was traded, he was sixth in the league in points and tied in seventh for goals. His production has dropped off, but he’s still highly regarded around the NHL as a superstar.
Last season, the Hurricanes were in a similar situation. On March 8, last year’s trade deadline, Carolina acquired left winger Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a rental addition with a similar ability to score goals like Rantanen. In last season’s situation, Guentzel played out the final year of his contract and didn’t sign an extension with Carolina. Tulsky won’t want to lose Rantanen for nothing, especially after dealing Necas to the Avs.
What Will It Cost For Toronto?
Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet and the Toronto Star pitched a trade scenario where the Maple Leafs could land Rantanen. Kypreos believes that offering either Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten, plus Bobby McMann and a draft pick is enough for the former Stanley Cup champion. However, given the fact that the Hurricanes are a contending team and they gave away an important player in Necas, they’ll probably want a player with a bigger impact than McMann. Not to mention Toronto may ask for salary retention, leading to more sweeteners in the deal. Furthermore, draft picks and prospects probably won’t appeal to Tulsky for a team that wants to win now.
It could be worth adding Max Domi to this trade. He’s a regular NHL player and has experience playing for the Hurricanes. Throwing Domi into this deal could give Carolina more assurance in their roster, even if he hasn’t been playing to his standard. Also, it relieves $3.75 million of cap space for the next three seasons. However, Toronto would still need to address their middle-six centre issue and maybe look for another defenceman before breaking the bank for Rantanen.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The post What It Will Take For The Toronto Maple Leafs To Acquire Carolina Hurricanes Superstar appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.