The Detroit Red Wings are looking to break their playoff drought, and one proposed trade could land them a star player in Mikko Rantanen.
Using the PuckPedia PuckGM tool, a user suggested a blockbuster trade that would send top star from the Carolina Hurricanes to Detroit. The details of the proposed deal are:
Red Wings acquire:
- Mikko Rantanen
Hurricanes acquire:
- J.T. Compher (with $2.6 million retained)
- Patrick Kane
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 first-round pick
This trade would be significant for both teams. The Red Wings would acquire the highly talented Rantanen, a star forward who could bolster their top line and help push them toward ending their playoff drought. Rantanen, currently in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract, has recorded 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points in 55 games this season, split between the Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche.
In exchange, the Hurricanes would receive two first-round picks, which are a significant return for a star player, along with J.T. Compher. Compher, in the second year of a five-year, $25.5 million deal, could provide depth for the Hurricanes as a third-line center. He has posted 6 goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 49 games this season. The deal also includes Patrick Kane, a future Hall of Famer, who would add offensive firepower to Carolina’s roster. Kane, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Detroit, has recorded 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 45 games this season.
With the March 7 trade deadline looming, Rantanen’s potential availability could make this trade a major move for both teams.
Hurricanes Could Trade Rantanen Again
After making a blockbuster trade to acquire Mikko Rantanen, the Carolina Hurricanes could potentially flip him before the March 7 trade deadline, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli. Rantanen, who is set to become a free agent, has had a slow start with Carolina, registering just 1 goal and 1 assist in 6 games. If he remains unsigned as the trade deadline approaches, Seravalli suggests the Hurricanes could consider moving him to get value in return.
Seravalli also pointed out that Carolina’s owner might be inclined to make a move if they sense Rantanen won’t re-sign, potentially looking to recover or even exceed what they paid for him. The situation is one to watch closely, especially if Rantanen’s struggles continue and contract talks stall.
Red Wings Coach Focused on Improvements
The Detroit Red Wings are currently in a playoff spot, sitting at 28-22-5 and holding onto the final Wild Card position. After a slow start, the team made a coaching change, firing Derek Lalonde and hiring Todd McLellan. Since McLellan took over, the Red Wings have been on a strong run, posting a 15-5-1 record.
McLellan acknowledges the progress, but he also sees areas that need improvement. He highlighted that while the team has made strides, game-management skills are still a work in progress. These skills are difficult to practice since they require the pressure of in-game situations, including scoring scenarios, fatigue, and line-matching, which are tough to replicate in practice. McLellan emphasized that video review and experience will be key for the team to continue progressing in this area.
As the Red Wings push for a playoff spot, improving these aspects of their game will be crucial for their success down the stretch.