NHL insider speculates whether Carolina Hurricanes would give in to Mikko Rantanen's 8-figure AAV demand

NHL insiders David Pagnotta and Dennis Bernstein discussed Mikko Rantanen’s potential future with the Carolina Hurricanes on The Fourth Period's "The Latest." Bernstein raised concerns about whether the team would be willing to offer Rantanen an 8-figure AAV.

Bernstein pointed out that Carolina hesitated to meet Jake Guentzel’s salary expectations and questioned whether they could commit $14 million per year to Rantanen.

"But I'll say this about Carolina: they didn't want to pay Guentzel his money. Are they really going to pay him $14 million a year in Carolina? I have my doubts about that one," he said (4:00 mark).

"If that's going to be the number, it's going to be a big challenge for ownership to swallow that type of contract going forward."

However, Bernstein said paying Rantanen at that level would still be a positive move for the team:

"But again, I think it improves Carolina."

Mikko Rantanen has been one of the most productive players in the league. He has been more offensively efficient than Guentzel, which is significant, as Rantanen has consistently performed at a high level.

This season, he has 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games, ranking sixth in the NHL. Rantanen has put up career-best numbers in recent seasons, with 104 points (42 goals) in 2023-24 and 105 points (55 goals) in 2022-23. He has had over 80 points in five different NHL seasons.

Mikko Rantanen’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes

Mikko Rantanen’s trade to Carolina followed a three-team deal. In this trade, the Hurricanes acquired Rantanen and Taylor Hall.

The Colorado Avalanche received Jack Drury, Martin Necas and draft picks. Chicago retained 50% of Rantanen's $9.25 million salary. Rantanen has been a key player for Colorado, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2022.

On Saturday, following the trade, Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said:

"Mikko is a decorated player for us, he’s an elite winger in this league. So, it was a tough few days, but we just felt the timing was right, and the last few days it kind of came together... We decided to act yesterday, but it wasn’t without a lot of serious thought, I can assure you of that."

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky believes Mikko Rantanen’s skills fit the team’s style of play. But the team may find it hard to offer a $14 million contract. However, the Hurricanes may be willing to invest in him to stay competitive.