Mikko Rantanen, who the Hurricanes acquired from the Colorado Avalanche as part of a three-team deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 24, could be on the move again before the Deadline.
But Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Thursday the focus is on the team and their game against the Boston Bruins at Lenovo Center (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, NESN, SNP, SNO, SNE, TVAS).
“Try not to watch too much about it,” Brind’Amour said. “I know obviously, everyone’s talking about it. He’s here, he was out there this morning, so I’m assuming he’ll be here tonight and go at it.”
Rantanen was not made available to Hurricanes media following their skate.
The 28-year-old is in the final season of the six-year, $55.5 million contract ($9.25 million average annual value) he signed with the Avalanche on Sept. 28, 2019, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Rantanen, who had 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games with Colorado prior to the trade, has six points (two goals, four assists) in 12 games with the Hurricanes.
“Yeah, would love to have him. That’s why we went and got him,” Brind’Amour said of Rantanen post-deadline. “As far as my concern, I’m coaching this team right now as if he’s here until they tell me he’s not.”
