Mikko Rantanen’s Wild Trade Journey: How the Toronto Maple Leafs Almost Landed the Superstar Forward

Ankit puri7 hours ago

The NHL trade deadline is always a whirlwind of speculation, last-minute deals, and high-stakes negotiations. This year was no exception, as one of the biggest names on the move was Mikko Rantanen, a dynamic forward who has consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers. While he ultimately landed with the Dallas Stars, recent reports suggest that the Toronto Maple Leafs were very much in the mix as a potential Plan B destination.

According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, if trade talks between the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes had collapsed, Toronto was prepared to step in and make a blockbuster move for Rantanen. This revelation has sparked intense discussion among hockey fans and analysts alike. What would a Rantanen-to-Toronto deal have looked like? How close did it actually come to happening? And what does this missed opportunity mean for the Maple Leafs moving forward?

In this deep dive, we will explore the full scope of Rantanen’s trade journey, analyze why the Maple Leafs were interested in acquiring him, and assess how this potential move could have reshaped the NHL landscape.

Mikko Rantanen’s Elite Talent: Why He Was One of the Most Coveted Players at the Deadline

Before breaking down the trade dynamics, it’s important to understand just why Mikko Rantanen was such a hot commodity leading up to the NHL trade deadline.

Offensive Dominance

Rantanen has been one of the NHL’s most productive wingers since breaking out with the Colorado Avalanche. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ. Over the past five seasons, he has consistently averaged over a point per game, making him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league.

His chemistry with former Avalanche teammate Nathan MacKinnon made Colorado’s top line one of the most lethal units in the NHL. Rantanen’s ability to finish plays, dominate puck possession, and contribute in all situations made him a dream acquisition for any contending team.

Playoff Pedigree

One of Rantanen’s most valuable attributes is his postseason experience. He played a critical role in helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, proving that he can deliver in high-pressure situations. Many teams looking to make a deep playoff run viewed him as the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

Contract Status and Financial Considerations

Any trade involving a superstar of Rantanen’s caliber comes with major financial implications. The 27-year-old forward was in the final year of his six-year, $55.5 million contract ($9.25 million AAV) with the Avalanche before being traded. That made him an attractive target for teams willing to negotiate a long-term extension.

Ultimately, Dallas secured his services, signing him to a massive eight-year, $96 million contract extension that will keep him in a Stars uniform through the 2032-33 season.

But what if things had played out differently? How close was Toronto to landing him?

How the Rantanen Trade Unfolded: From Colorado to Carolina to Dallas

Mikko Rantanen’s movement at the deadline was a saga in itself. It involved multiple teams, shifting negotiations, and a series of deals that reshaped several franchises.

Step 1: The Colorado Avalanche Trade Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes

In January, Rantanen was initially traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a blockbuster deal that involved multiple players and draft picks. Colorado, seeking to retool its roster while maintaining its competitiveness, opted to move its star winger in exchange for assets that could strengthen the team in different areas.

The trade sent shockwaves through the league, as few expected the Avalanche to part ways with such a critical piece of their championship-winning core. However, Carolina was eager to add more offensive firepower to bolster its already strong roster.

Step 2: The Hurricanes Flip Rantanen to the Dallas Stars

Carolina’s time with Rantanen was brief. Ahead of the March 7th NHL trade deadline, the Hurricanes moved Rantanen again—this time to the Dallas Stars.

Dallas, already a top contender in the Western Conference, saw Rantanen as the perfect addition to solidify its status as a legitimate Stanley Cup favorite. The move paid immediate dividends, as Rantanen seamlessly fit into the Stars’ system and provided them with another elite offensive weapon.

Dallas wasted no time in locking him up long-term, signing him to the eight-year extension that guarantees he will be a key part of their future.

But what if Carolina and Dallas had failed to reach an agreement? That’s where the Toronto Maple Leafs could have come into play.

The Maple Leafs as Plan B: How Close Was Toronto to Landing Rantanen?

According to Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs were a legitimate backup option in case trade talks between Carolina and Dallas fell through. While the details of what a potential deal might have looked like remain unclear, the fact that Toronto was even in the conversation is significant.

Why Toronto Wanted Rantanen

Toronto has long been in search of a game-changing forward to complement its core group of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. While their offensive firepower is undeniable, the Maple Leafs have struggled to find the right balance in their lineup—particularly when it comes to secondary scoring and playoff consistency.

Adding Rantanen would have given Toronto:

Another elite scoring option to take pressure off Matthews and Marner.
A proven playoff performer with championship experience.
Size and physicality that the Leafs’ forward group sometimes lacks.

What Toronto Would Have Had to Give Up

To acquire a player of Rantanen’s caliber, the Maple Leafs would have needed to offer a significant package. While it’s impossible to say exactly what Carolina would have demanded in return, any trade likely would have included:

A top-tier young player (such as Matthew Knies or Nick Robertson).
Multiple high draft picks.
A roster player to match salary (potentially a defenseman like Timothy Liljegren or Jake McCabe).

Given that Toronto already faces challenges with cap space, fitting Rantanen’s contract extension into their future plans would have required careful maneuvering.

What This Means for Toronto’s Future

With Rantanen now officially in Dallas, the Maple Leafs are left wondering what could have been. However, just the fact that they were considered a serious option in trade discussions is telling.

Does This Mean Toronto Will Still Try to Make a Big Move?

Toronto’s interest in Rantanen suggests that the front office is still actively exploring ways to upgrade the roster. Even though they missed out on him, the Leafs could pursue other high-profile targets in the offseason.

Potential alternatives could include:

Mitch Marner Trade Possibilities – With Marner’s contract nearing its end, Toronto could explore moving him to create cap space for other acquisitions.
Pursuing a Top Defenseman – If the Leafs shift their focus to improving their blueline, they could target a high-end defenseman in free agency or via trade.
Adding Depth Scoring – If a superstar acquisition isn’t feasible, Toronto might prioritize acquiring multiple secondary scorers to create a more balanced attack.

The Challenge of Competing in a Stacked Eastern Conference

With teams like the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers remaining powerhouses in the East, the Maple Leafs must find a way to take the next step in their championship pursuit. Missing out on Rantanen may be a setback, but Toronto’s front office appears committed to making a move that can help push the team over the top.

Final Thoughts: The One That Got Away?

Mikko Rantanen’s trade saga was one of the most fascinating stories of the 2024 NHL season. While he ultimately landed with the Dallas Stars, the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs were a legitimate Plan B option adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

Would Rantanen have been the perfect fit for the Maple Leafs? Could he have been the missing piece that finally helped them break through in the playoffs? We’ll never know for sure—but for Toronto fans, the idea of what could have been will linger as they watch him thrive in Dallas.