Uncertainty over Mikko Rantanen’s future with the Carolina Hurricanes has kept the 28-year-old right winger’s name in the NHL rumor mill.
On Wednesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Hurricanes were considering all their options, including the type of trade returns they might receive if Rantanen were moved as a rental player or if he signed an extension with another club before July 1. He believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors.
TSN’s Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could be among them after losing superstar Jack Hughes to season-ending shoulder surgery. New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols claimed they have contacted the Hurricanes. He also thinks the Devils could pursue Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks.
Speaking of the struggling, injury-battered Canucks, they continue to jockey for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. However, the ongoing uncertainty over Boeser’s future with the club has dominated headlines as the trade deadline approaches.
Boeser, 28, is in the final season of a three-year deal with an average annual value of $6.65 million. It was reported over the weekend that he’d rejected a five-year deal worth $8 million annually, preferring a long-term option. There was talk the Canucks could make one final attempt to sign him before Friday’s NHL trade deadline.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the Canucks were evaluating their options with Boeser. He indicated they’d withdrawn their contract offer. Dreger’s colleague Farhan Lalji indicated it was unlikely a deal would be done before the trade deadline, suggesting negotiations could extend beyond Friday.
A 40-goal scorer in 2023-24, Boeser is a proven playoff performer who should be attractive to playoff clubs seeking a scoring punch. However, Thomas Drance of The Athletic reports a league source claimed there’s lukewarm interest in the winger. That could be because the Canucks won’t part with him for less than market value, especially when they’re still in the playoff chase.
Meanwhile, some observers wonder what other moves the Boston Bruins have in store after shipping UFA-eligible forward Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers in a three-team trade on Tuesday.
NBC Sports Boston’s Nick Goss suggested Charlie Coyle as a trade candidate. The 33-year-old center is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.25 million. He has a no-movement clause for waiver purposes and an eight-team no-trade list.
Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco reported the Calgary Flames were believed to have expressed an interest in Brandon Carlo. The 28-year-old Bruins defenseman has two years left on his deal with a $4.1-million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. TSN’s Chris Johnston also reported hearing Carlo’s name is in the trade market.
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