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So we finally have at least one bit of clarity on Mikko Rantanen: He’s not signing an extension with the Carolina Hurricanes by Friday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
Multiple league sources confirmed Thursday morning that Rantanen’s camp has made that decision and relayed it to the Hurricanes over the past few days, which explains why Carolina has reached back out to teams with interest in the pending unrestricted free agent to properly suss out the trade market.
One important note: The Canes as of Thursday morning had not given permission to teams to speak directly to Rantanen’s camp, led by Andy Scott, about a possible extension. For the moment, that seems to rule out a sign-and-trade scenario, but that’s always subject to change.
But it also makes sense. If Rantanen isn’t ready to make a decision on Carolina’s contract extension offer because he’s just been with the team only six weeks or so (minus the two weeks at 4 Nations), why would he suddenly be ready to sign an extension with another team he hasn’t even played with yet if he gets traded?
And it’s important to reiterate that the Canes aren’t 100 percent trading Rantanen. It will all come down to comparing the trade offers on the table for Rantanen versus the value in keeping him as a rental in an effort to go win a Stanley Cup this season.
Colleague Chris Johnston reported Wednesday evening that the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers were among the teams that have shown interest in Rantanen. And yes, there are more teams in there as well.
The Stars have the cap room via long-term injured reserve, the Golden Knights have been working the market for another winger and the Panthers still have ample cap room thanks to Matthew Tkachuk being on LTIR for the rest of the regular season.
The Panthers are mostly looking at a depth forward, but this would be on-brand for one of the most aggressive GMs in the league in Bill Zito. Same with Kelly McCrimmon in Vegas, who shows no fear. The Stars, my September pick to win the Stanley Cup this season, are definitely all-in, but can they make the pieces work with Carolina to justify it?
And that’s what will be the most interesting part of all if the Canes do indeed pull the trigger on a trade. What pieces can they get back from a Cup contender that would compare to having traded away Martin Necas and Jack Drury to Colorado on Jan. 24? And also, what pieces can they get back in a trade that trumps what Rantanen can give them the rest of this season?
Perhaps the idea of losing Rantanen for nothing on July 1 ends up trumping all. We’re about to find out, either way.
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Isles’ Nelson decisions
As of late Wednesday night, things were still in flux on the New York Islanders’ Brock Nelson. It still wasn’t 100 percent that Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was committed to trading him, according to league sources.
His team woke up Thursday morning four points out of a playoff spot but seventh out of the seven teams battling for those two wild-card spots. All things being equal, it feels to me like Lamoriello’s probably bringing himself toward the trade route. But I also don’t believe Lamoriello has given up trying to sign Nelson. He will try to the end.
Teams I believe have some interest include the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils (especially with Jack Hughes out for the season). I also never rule out Florida and Vegas.
Sharks listening on Ferraro
The San Jose Sharks are listening on Mario Ferraro, 26, who has one more year on his deal next season at a $3.25 million cap hit. Pretty reasonable indeed. He’s a UFA when his deal expires in July 2026.
Listening doesn’t mean they’ll move him, but given the small number of D on the trade market, the Sharks are seeing what comes their way.
It just so happens that the Edmonton Oilers are in need of a defense addition.
Mario Ferraro is playing more than 21 minutes per night for the Sharks this season. (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
Canadiens’ message to players
The Montreal Canadiens continue to listen on pending UFAs David Savard and Joel Armia, but my sense is that they don’t plan on moving both. Maybe one if a team steps up, but not both.
They don’t want to send that kind of message to their players, who are fighting hard to stay in the playoff race. And I mean, the last thing the Habs need is another fourth-round draft pick, so, when I say a team would have to step up to grab Armia or Sabard, they really would have to.
In the meantime, Habs GM Kent Hughes has continued to make calls looking around for a potential hockey deal — a player (did I say center?) who could help them now and longer-term, as well. Easier said than done in-season. Those are more apt to happen in June. But those conversations happening now could help plant seeds for the off-season.
Utah getting business done
Utah Hockey Club wasn’t messing around Wednesday night, wrapping up extensions for Ian Cole, Alex Kerfoot and Karel Vemejlka.
That was a really important part of business done with the goalie, who was pending UFA. Good job by agent Ryan Barnes getting security with the five years. The goalie position is so volatile right now that the term is huge. But I also think GM Bill Armstrong did really well with a $4.75 million cap hit — a somewhat cheaper rate than what we’re seeing lately with No. 1 goalies all signing for above $5 million.
There’s some good vibes in Utah right now. They’re playing meaningful games in March, and the franchise isn’t a seller for the first time in forever. Watch out for them this summer. They’ll have cap room and will be eager to add.
(Photo of Mikko Rantanen: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
