Per James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now, the New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in Carolina Hurricanes’ winger, Mikko Rantanen. Nichols added that their interest wholly depends on Jack Hughes’ status, but it’s an interesting development nonetheless.
Despite rumored interest from the Devils, it doesn’t appear as a likely hypothetical landing spot. Carolina and New Jersey would play in the first round of the postseason if the season ended today, and neither is expected to catch up to the red-hot Washington Capitals. Theoretically, the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers are within striking distance of a divisional playoff spot, although it’s not all that likely.
Meanwhile, the Devils and Hurricanes don’t have a long history of trading with each other. Since the 2019-20 season, the pair have connected on two trades, the first being the deal sending defenseman Sami Vatanen to Carolina in 2020 and the other being a minor league swap of Zack Hayes and Jonathan Dugan in 2023.
Still, it’s hard to dislike Rantanen’s fit in the Devils lineup if the purported interest is accurate. Despite their need for a third-line center, Rantanen would objectively prove a massive upgrade over Ondřej Palát or Dawson Mercer in New Jersey’s top six. Rantanen has more points this season alone than Palát and Mercer combined. Although he doesn’t register many body checks, Rantanen is a physical forward who can put the puck in the net, which would benefit New Jersey’s 14th-ranked offense in terms of GF/G.
Unless the Hurricanes believe they have no realistic opportunity to win the Stanley Cup this season, it’s difficult to imagine a trade of this magnitude happening between the organizations. Even if the Devils maximize their cap space by placing Hughes on their long-term injured reserve, and they’re able to put together a compelling offer, it would make little sense for Carolina to improve a team they’re likely to face in the playoffs.
Miko for Mercer and Nemec and a 2nd would work out talent wise and cap wise.
ONLY with a contract extension in place before
Then they need to give more.
Then its not worth it, doesnt matter anyway they wouldnt trade him here
Contract extension in place then it’s gonna take a Jack Hughes. Rantanen is an elite player. Consistent 100 point producer, which Hughes would be if he wasn’t always injured. You’re not getting a signed rantanen for Mercer memes and a 2nd that’s not even close. Besides as was already said if hes signed CAR won’t be trading him.
*nemec not memes
Hughes? The Devils offer Haula, a 1st & an autographed Stevens jersey or they’ll just wait & sign him in the off season.
Yes they would. Jersey is an ex-Canes graveyard.
Enjoying Haula as much as we enjoyed dumping him?
Or Carolina can just let him walk and get nothing for him because they rolled the dice.