Surprising Canadian Team Emerges as the Betting Favourites to Land Mikko Rantanen
The Toronto Maple Leafs have come out on top as the odds-on favorites to get Mikko Rantanen if the Hurricanes decide to trade him this season.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche shocked the hockey world this season by making a surprise blockbuster trade that included Martin Necas and Mikko Rantanen.
Of course, Rantanen has since struggled with the Hurricanes, and is yet to sign an extension, which has lead to much speculation as to what his future in the NHL holds.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, The Hurricanes have already offered Rantanen a massive contract extension, but he turned that offer down.
Of course, the Hurricanes have until next Friday to decide if they are going to stick with their latest trade acquisition, or if they're going to flip him for someone else who might fit their system better.
Fellow NHL insider Frank Seravalli has gone on the record stating that he thinks the team may very well trade Rantanen at the deadline.
If that is the case, there will likely be a major bidding war as contenders around the league look to add the goal-scoring winger.
One of those teams that could be involved is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are currently 2nd place in the Atlantic Division.
In fact, the club has emerged as the betting-odds favorites to land Rantanen if he is moved in the next week.
Rantanen has 27 goals and 69 points in 58 games this season, bringing his career totals to 289 goals and 686 points in 628 games.
He has just 2 goals and 5 points in 9 games since being moved to Carolina, but has heated up recently, with two points in his last game, and three points in his last three.
Rantanen would obviously be a huge boost to the Leafs offense, but the team clearly cannot afford to extend him with Mitch Marner and John Tavares due contracts this summer, so he would be a rental.
Would the cost be prohibitive for such a rental then? We will find out in the next week.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) celebrates scoring with forward Brandon Hagel (38) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the second period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/533453.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) celebrates scoring with forward Brandon Hagel (38) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the second period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
