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One proposed NHL trade deadline blockbuster would reroute the Hurricanes' Mikko Rantanen to the Ducks in exchange for a forward making slightly more.

It seems Carolina’s only focus right now is keeping Rantanen, whether as an extended player or worst case as a rental.

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Several notable players could be dealt ahead of March 7 NHL trade deadline

As Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman explained on an episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, if Rantanen is dealt again, an acquiring team could only take on a $2.3 million cap hit if the Hurricanes retain half of Rantanen's already-reduced salary.

The Mikko Rantanen experiment hasn't worked with the Carolina Hurricanes, and he could be on the move again before the trade deadline.

TSN: It’s still not known if Mikko Rantanen will want to partake in contract extension talks with the Carolina Hurricanes. Chris Johnston said that Rantanen’s camp are expected in the next few days to let the Hurricanes know how they’d like to proceed with things.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, it looks like Carolina is leaning toward keeping Rantanen in tow through the end of the season whether or not he commits to signing a contract extension before the March 7 trade deadline.

Mikko Rantanen could be on the move again if Carolina cannot sign him to an extension. Brock Nelson, Erik Karlsson and brothers Brayden and Luke Schenn are all in the mix. Seth Jones, Ryan Lindgren and Gustav Nyquist have already changed teams.