NHL: Calgary Flames at Carolina Hurricanes - Source: Imagn — Carolina Hurricanes seek $2,775,000 Maple Leafs forward as part of Mikko Rantanen deal (Imagn)

NHL Trade Rumors: Carolina Hurricanes seek $2,775,000 Maple Leafs forward as part of Mikko Rantanen deal

Modified Mar 07, 2025 12:36 GMT

As the trade deadline approaches, talks surrounding Mikko Rantanen are intensifying. The Toronto Maple Leafs remain among the most interested teams for the player who has already been traded once this season.

However, a potential trade could cost them Matthew Knies. Knies, who signed a $2.775 million deal in 2022, is the centerpiece of any potential deal, according to the Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.

Expand Tweet

Rantanen has reportedly informed the Hurricanes that he does not plan to sign an extension, which means they are likely to trade him before the 3 pm EST deadline.

The deal could be costly for Toronto, but it is unlikely that it will have to pay as much for Rantanen as the Hurricanes did when they got him from the Colorado Avalanche in the first place.

The Hurricanes sent a package that included Martin Necas,

Toronto won't part with Matthew Knies for Mikko Rantanen without an extension

There are several teams interested in Mikko Rantanen right now. The Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are also in the mix.

Matthew Knies is desired by the Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen (Imagn)

If the Leafs are going to win this bidding war, it's going to reportedly cost them Knies, but that's not something they're willing to do unless they know Rantanen will sign an extension.

The Fourth Period's latest report indicated that that's what Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky wants.

The trade is far from imminent, but talks are reportedly progressing quickly.

About the author

Zachary is a journalist covering NFL, Professional Golf, esports, and Major League Baseball at Sportskeeda. He has a degree in writing/editing from Southern Adventist University (USA), and in his spare time, he likes to play games such as Minecraft, Pokémon and Fortnite, or watch sports.

Ever since he was a youth football wide receiver, Zachary has been an avid NFL fan. He loves the Carolina Panthers, with Cam Newton being his all-time favorite player (with respect to the close second, Steve Smith). If you ever meet Zachary, prepare to hear all about how underrated Newton was and how he single-handedly dragged the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.

Zachary is also a big fan of top golfers like Tiger Woods, Wyndham Clark, and Scottie Scheffler. He enjoys watching them and hopes that Woods can return to form soon and win again.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama