Trade rumors are heating up around Colorado Avalanche star winger Mikko Rantanen, with NHL insiders hinting that the Los Angeles Kings have entered serious discussions about acquiring him. With the March 7, 2025, trade deadline fast approaching, multiple teams are reportedly inquiring about the Finnish forward, who is in the final year of his contract.
Elliot Friedman reveals new LA Kings trade possibilities
Elliot Friedman,speaking on TNT, confirmed the Kings' interest in Mikko Rantanen, but the Carolina Hurricanes hesitated to trade him. Other teams, including the Leafs, Golden Knights, Stars, Jets, Panthers, and Lightning, are also in the mix as the March 7 deadline nears.
Friedman said, “I think Carolina is doing its due diligence as we speak, trying to see what the market is for Rantanen. I believe they’ve talked to several teams.”
The NHL insider continued to say, “I think one of the biggest questions that’s being asked right now is will Rantanen extend? I think there are some teams that would look at him only as a rental, but I think there are other teams that would really like to see if they could sign him.”
Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Dallas and Toronto are top contenders for Mikko Rantanen, as both have the cap space to absorb his $9.25M salary. The Stars alone have $24M in cap space. Rantanen has been outstanding this season, tallying 27 goals, 43 assists (70 points) in 61 games, ranking 9th in league scoring, 16th in goals, and 19th in assists. His performance makes him a prime trade target.
Two major trades this season were J.T. Miller to the Rangers and Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes. With Rantanen's contract nearing expiry, he's a prime trade target before free agency. NHL insider Nick Kypreos sees the Toronto Maple Leafs as a strong landing spot, suggesting they need a three-asset package to acquire him.
“If the Leafs are able to satisfy the Hurricanes’ trade demands — a package that includes one of their top prospects (Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten), plus Bobby McMann and a draft pick should do it — Rantanen could be the perfect rental player,” Nick Kypreos said on a podcast.
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“Find a way to work through”: NHL Commissioner said the league might be affected by tariffs and relations between the U.S. and CanadaElliotte Friedman believes the Maple Leafs will explore acquiring Mikko Rantanen, but their $2.2M cap space makes it difficult. While they’ll have $28.8M in 2025-26, trading for Rantanen now ($9M+ salary) would require moving multiple contracts, risking future cap issues. With the NHL trade deadline on Friday, the Leafs have tough decisions ahead.
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