NHL trade rumors: Elliotte Friedman claims "talks are intensifying" in Mikko Rantanen's blockbuster deal to Dallas Stars

The trade talks for Mikko Rantanen have taken a turn. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on X (formerly Twitter) that discussions about sending Rantanen to the Dallas Stars are intensifying.

Rantanen is in the final year of his six-year, $55.5 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Many teams have shown interest as the trade deadline approaches. The LA Kings, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs were some teams linked to the Hurricanes star forward with less than 24 hours left before the NHL trade deadline on March 7th, 3 PM ET.

"Okay, something else tonight: Hearing talks are intensifying to send Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars," Friedman tweeted.

Now, the Dallas Stars seem to be making a strong push. If they acquire Rantanen, he would add offensive depth to their roster. Rantanen joined Carolina in January after a trade from Colorado. He has struggled in 13 games, with two goals and six points. So far this season he has scored 27 goals and 43 assists for 70 points.

The Carolina Hurricanes are deciding what to do with Mikko Rantanen before the trade deadline

On Thursday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Rantanen will not sign an extension before Friday. Because of this, Carolina is exploring trade options.

"Probably as expected, but league sources confirm that Carolina has received clarity from Mikko Rantanen's camp as far as not being ready to make a decision on the team's contract offer by Friday's trade deadline. Hence, Carolina talking to teams and seeing for real what the trade market is for him. It comes down to weighing best trade offers on the table versus keeping Rantanen as a rental... let's see how it goes," LeBrun tweeted.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman previously said that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings are interested in Rantanen. Since Chicago retained 50% of Rantanen’s salary in January, Carolina could retain another 50%. This would lower his cap hit to $2.3 million, making a trade easier for some teams.

"Among the teams believed to be very interested are Toronto, Dallas and Los Angeles — although that’s a ridiculously incomplete list. Who wouldn’t want him at a $2.3 million cap hit, if Carolina retained 50 per cent of Rantanen’s salary," Friedman wrote in his column for the Sportsnet.

Carolina is in a strong playoff spot and is not looking for only future assets. If they trade Rantanen, they want a top-six forward in return. This makes trade talks more complicated because teams must offer NHL-ready players.