Darren Dreger shuts down comparisons between Mikko Rantanen Hurricanes trade and $65,408,000 Maple Leafs star’s contract negotiation

The Carolina Hurricanes pulled off a blockbuster trade for Mikko Rantanen. The next thing on the agenda is to sign him to an extension to prevent the team from losing the forward to free agency. It's something the Canes believe they can do.

This is something the Colorado Avalanche had tried to do before trading him. They were mired in a contract discussion with Rantanen before pulling the plug. It's drawn comparisons to the situation between Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NHL insider Darren Dreger doesn't think there's much similarity between the two situations though. On "First Up," he said as much (7:35):

"Mitch Marner has full protection, you know, he would have to waive and ... why would he, you know, where his chances (are) better (of) potentially winning a Stanley Cup?"

He isn't sure there are too many big Stanley Cup contenders that will need a player like Marner at the deadline. That makes it difficult to trade him even if it does mean he might walk for nothing at the end of the season.

Dreger continued:

"I don't see it. I really don't. And here's, here's the number one reason why I don't see it. I think that Toronto very much wants to sign Marner, and by all indications, he wants to stay and be a lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf. It's just the business side is what complicates it most."

Dreger firmly believes that Marner and the Leafs can get things moving towards an extension from his current $65.408 million deal if they want to.

---

Hurricanes GM praises Mikko Rantanen

Whether or not they are able to extend Mikko Rantanen, the Carolina Hurricanes believe they've landed a quality player who can and will help them in pursuit of the Stanley Cup this year.

Mikko Rantanen is now a Hurricane (Imagn)

GM Eric Tulsky said via NHL.com:

"He's a fantastic fit for the way we play. We play a system that has us battling for pucks along the walls and trying to make plays at the net front and he's just one of the best in the League at some of those things."

Tulsky says that Rantanen can emulate the strength and heaviness of Jordan Staal while adding "high-level skill to go with it." He has no hesitation in saying that Rantanen is an excellent fit with their lineup.