Currently occupying third place in the Pacific Division with 63 points, the Los Angeles Kings face a critical need to enhance their offensive output before the NHL trade deadline. Their current standing is marked by a subpar offensive performance, reflected in their 20th-ranked goals-per-game average (2.83) and a particularly concerning 29th-ranked power-play percentage (14.6%).
The NHL world was stunned on January 24th when the Colorado Avalanche executed a blockbuster three-team trade that sent superstar winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. This bold move, a rarity in the salary-cap era, was precipitated by the Avalanche’s reluctance to risk losing Rantanen to free agency in July.
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Rantanen, a two-time 100-point scorer and a key architect of the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, was poised for a significant pay raise, exceeding his current $9.3 million average annual value. While the acquisition of Rantanen ostensibly strengthened the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup aspirations, his offensive production has been underwhelming since the trade, with only two points registered in six games.
Despite this initial struggle, it was widely anticipated that the Hurricanes would prioritize signing Rantanen to a long-term contract. However, recent reports suggest that negotiations have stalled. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has placed Rantanen atop his trade board, indicating that the Hurricanes may be unable to secure a long-term agreement.
NHL Trade Deadline: Los Angeles Kings Named In Top 5 Mikko Rantanen Trade Destinations
“Adding a scoring superstar such as Rantanen, alongside playmaking captain Anze Kopitar or rising young center Quinton Byfield, should immediately boost the Kings’ production. His playoff experience would also help them overcome their recent difficulties in advancing past the opening round of the playoffs,” writes Bleacher Report.
“With $4.5 million in projected NHL trade deadline cap space, the Kings could squeeze the remainder of Carolina’s share of his cap hit into their payroll. They could also send out a salaried player to the Hurricanes in the deal or ask them to retain part of Rantanen’s cap hit, though that could raise their asking price.
The move could cost the Kings their 2025 first-rounder, leaving them without picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft. It could also cost them a top prospect such as Liam Greentree as part of the deal.”
Bleacher Report also listed the New Jersey Devils, Las Vegas Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars. That said, Rantanen currently holds a nine-team no-trade list.