All eyes are now on the Carolina Hurricanes and what comes next for top star. According to NHLTradeTalk.com, he was dealt from the Colorado Avalanche to the Hurricanes in a three-team trade, largely due to stalled contract negotiations.
He had reportedly been seeking $14 million per season, similar to Leon Draisaitl’s extension with the Edmonton Oilers. However, Colorado was unwilling to exceed Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million salary, especially with Cale Makar’s next contract looming. While he was open to waiting until the offseason to resume talks, the Avalanche took a proactive approach, trading him to Carolina via Chicago. In return, Colorado cleared cap space and acquired Martin Necas and Jack Drury.
Now, the focus shifts to whether the Hurricanes will be willing to meet his contract demands or if another move could be on the horizon.
Now, his new team, the Carolina Hurricanes, finds itself in a similar situation to Colorado. With Rantanen set to become a free agent, the Hurricanes must navigate contract negotiations, and trade speculation is already building. If Carolina is unable to secure a deal with Rantanen by March 7th, reports suggest they may explore trading him rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
How Long Will the Hurricanes Wait on Rantanen?
However, according to NHLTradeTalk.com, via Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Hurricanes recently met with Rantanen and his representatives, presenting him with a significant contract offer. While negotiations are ongoing, Rantanen is taking his time to consider his options.
Despite initial speculation that Carolina might move him if a deal wasn’t reached by March 7th, the team appears willing to wait beyond that deadline to finalize an agreement. Now, details are beginning to surface regarding the specifics of the Hurricanes’ offer to Rantanen.
During the first intermission of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks game on ESPN+ and Hulu, ESPN Hockey Analyst and Insider Kevin Weekes provided an update on Mikko Rantanen’s contract situation with the Carolina Hurricanes. According to Weekes, the Hurricanes have offered Rantanen a deal exceeding $13 million per season. Negotiations are ongoing as both sides work toward a potential agreement.
Kevin Weekes acknowledged that there has been plenty of speculation surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s contract situation. During his ESPN+ and Hulu appearance, he noted that the Carolina Hurricanes have taken lessons from last year’s trade deadline when they acquired Jake Guentzel.
“This time around, they made huge waves by acquiring Rantanen,” Weekes said, adding that general manager Eric Tulsky and owner Tom Dundon have learned from past experiences. Now, with a significant contract offer on the table, the Hurricanes are working to ensure they don’t lose another star without a long-term commitment.
Is $13 Million Per Season Enough to Get This Done?
Weekes further emphasized Carolina’s determination to secure Rantanen long-term, stating that the Hurricanes were committed to making their best offer.
“We’re coming with an aggressive offer,” Weekes said. “I’m told that that number is north of $13 million, somewhere between the $13-$14 million range.”
With such a substantial contract proposal on the table, the Hurricanes are making it clear they want Rantanen to be a key piece of their future. Negotiations are ongoing as both sides work toward a potential agreement.
That $13–14 million range is exactly what Mikko Rantanen has been seeking all along. However, he finds himself in a challenging position as he works to regain his Colorado form with the Hurricanes. Before committing long-term to Carolina, Rantanen wants to feel comfortable and confident in his new surroundings.
Despite this, there remains optimism that both sides can reach a fair agreement.
Weekes elaborated:
“It’s tough right now, and I’ll say this quickly, Arda. It’s been a lot for him. It’s been a short time for him to get there, get acclimated, feel comfortable, and sign a contract extension. There’s been a lot going on, something not dissimilar to what happened to Rod Brind’Amour when he was traded from Philadelphia to Carolina. It takes time to adjust, but I believe both sides will keep working at it. Let’s see if they can settle on a fair deal.”
This negotiation will be crucial for the Hurricanes, as GM Eric Tulsky made a bold move in acquiring Rantanen, giving up a future star in Martin Necas for one of the league’s premier players. The fact that ownership is willing to make such a significant financial commitment signals a shift in how the franchise is being run.
If Carolina successfully extends Rantanen, it could mark a turning point in how the organization—and its ownership—is perceived across the NHL.