Speculation surrounding Carolina Hurricanes’ star winger Mikko Rantanen has intensified as the NHL trade deadline of March 7, 2025, draws near. NHL insiders suggest the Los Angeles Kings have engaged in substantive discussions regarding a potential acquisition of the Finnish forward. With Rantanen in the final year of his current contract, multiple teams are reportedly expressing keen interest in his availability.
Los Angeles Kings Still In the Mix For Mikko Rantanen
The buzz surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s potential move has intensified. Elliot Friedman, speaking on TNT, corroborated the Kings’ interest in the star winger. However, he also noted the Carolina Hurricanes’ reluctance to part with him. The pursuit of Rantanen extends beyond LA, with a number of other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, all reportedly in the mix.
Friedman said, “I think Carolina is doing its due diligence as we speak, trying to see what the market is for Rantanen. I believe they’ve talked to several teams.”
Friedman also noted that the Hurricanes won’t be parting with Rantanen for cheap. With this many teams in play, it will come down to who is the most desperate. After dropping five straight — getting outscored 21-8 over that span — desperation should be setting in for LA.
The central question surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s potential trade, as highlighted by an NHL insider, revolves around his willingness to sign a contract extension. “I think one of the biggest questions that’s being asked right now is will Rantanen extend?” the insider stated. “I think there are some teams that would look at him only as a rental, but I think there are other teams that would really like to see if they could sign him.” This suggests that while some teams might view him as a short-term acquisition, others are considering a long-term commitment.