Mikko Rantanen Reportedly Blocked a Trade to One Specific Team Because he Refused to Sign an Extension
The newest Dallas Stars player, Mikko Rantanen, reportedly refused to sign an extension with one specific team in the Pacific Division.
One of the biggest deals of this year's deadline was the trade between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars involving Mikko Rantanen, Logan Stankoven, and four draft picks.
This put an end to a lot of rumors surrounding Rantanen, especially after he signed his eight-year, $96 million extension.
Many details from behind the scenes are slowly emerging from insiders, and Elliotte Friedman made a big declaration about Rantanen's decision to sign with the Stars.
Indeed, he revealed that the Los Angeles Kings were really interested in Rantanen, but he didn't want to sign there.
Friedman added that the Leafs made a massive offer involving Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, and two first-round picks but decided to go with Stankoven as they considered him the best player available:
The Stars were determined to get him, and Rantanen obviously wanted to go there, facilitating the deal.
General Manager Jim Nill stated:
"Mikko's experience in the postseason is an invaluable asset to our team as we work toward the goal of winning a Stanley Cup."
As for Rantanen, he shed light on his decision process and how he thinks the Stars are a great fit for him:
"When you look around at your situation and you see what's best for you, and that's what I was kind of doing for a month or so, thinking about everything. But just the fit in Dallas and just to be a part of the group, it's a great team and they have been successful the last couple of years, so hopefully I can jump in there and help the team."
Now that he got what he wanted, it'll be interesting to see Rantanen on the ice with the Stars. He will make his debut on Saturday night, in Edmonton, against the Oilers.
