After much back-and-forth, it seems like Mikko Rantanen could be on the move once more.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Thursday that talks were intensifying between the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars on a trade for the scoring winger.
Rantanen was traded to the Hurricanes from the Colorado Avalanche in January, but Carolina had been unable to sign the pending free agent to a long-term extension.
Friedman added that he’s uncertain about the possibility of a Rantanen extension with Dallas if the deal comes to fruition ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
Carolina landed the two-time 100-point scorer for forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury plus second-, third- and fourth-round picks in a three-team deal that also saw Taylor Hall land with the Hurricanes.
Rantanen logged 20:47 of ice time in Carolina’s 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday, but was held off the scoresheet.
For the season, the 28-year-old has 27 goals and 70 points in 61 games. However, his offensive production dropped since joining the Hurricanes. In just 13 games with Carolina, the Finnish forward scored two goals and dished out four assists.
The 41-19-2 Stars sit second in the Central Division and, if the playoffs began today, would face the Minnesota Wild in the first round. Earlier in the day, the Avalanche landed Brock Nelson, as teams in the West continue to load up for the playoffs.
