Feb 27, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) comes out onto the ice after the Hurricanes victory against the Buffalo Sabres at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

nhl

”I think it’s crazy for them to do so” : Pierre LeBrun Warns Hurricanes Trading Mikko Rantanen Now Would Be a Mistake

NHL Insider Believes Carolina Should Keep Rantanen for Their Stanley Cup Push

Pierre LeBrun has made his stance clear, he believes the Carolina Hurricanes would be making a huge mistake if they trade Mikko Rantanen before the deadline. The renowned NHL insider took to Twitter to emphasize that while the team may move Rantanen if they fail to extend his contract by March 7, it would be unwise to do so. According to LeBrun, the Hurricanes have a real shot at winning the Stanley Cup, with the Eastern Conference wide open. He argues that even if Rantanen leaves in free agency, keeping him until the playoffs gives Carolina its best chance to go all the way.

Let me emphasize again my stance on Rantanen: for sure it's possible he gets dealt by March 7 if the Hurricanes are that frustrated they couldn't extend him by then. But my point all week is that I think it's crazy for them to do so. The East is wide open. Go win it with him.…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 27, 2025

The Hurricanes, currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference behind the Washington Capitals, have a strong roster that could make a deep postseason run. Trading a player of Rantanen’s caliber now might not bring back the same value the team gave up to acquire him from Colorado in January. LeBrun believes Carolina should focus on winning now rather than worrying about his contract situation before July 1.

Also Read: NHL Results: Panthers Prevail in a Rematch of Last Year’s Stanley Cup Final

However, NHL fans are divided on the matter, let’s have a look at some of the reactions.

How are they going to win it with him when he isn't scoring?

Big problem is they don't have the team to win a cup. Either their goaltending fails them or they can't put up points when they really need them.
— Chicago Tomahawk Podcast 🥅 (@TomahawkChicago) February 27, 2025

The Rantanen trade clock ticking is smart money vs ego. Canes should keep him for a Cup run – they're +650 at DraftKings to win the East for a reason.
— Liam | AI-Powered Sports Bettor | Self-Learning (@bets_liam) February 27, 2025

I do agree his value isn't the same. I don't see why they even made the move.
— Edna Garrett (@WatchMyReview) February 27, 2025

He’s clearly got zero desire to be there
— Eric Gallion (@EGallion27) February 27, 2025

Canes aren't winning shit, with or without Rantanen
— Jonny Sens Fan (@x50in07) February 27, 2025

What if they dont win the cup and he walks. Then there out Necas and Rantanen for nothing.
— Chris (@SportsF4natic55) February 27, 2025

If they retained 50%, a team could have Rantanen for what, 3M for a rental?.. maybe they do get a nice return on him.
— Patrick (@TheRealHighley) February 27, 2025

Some fans agree with LeBrun and some don’t. Few of them see Carolina’s +650 odds to win the East as proof they should keep Rantanen, while others doubt their Cup chances, citing weak goaltending and scoring. Some are frustrated with Rantanen’s lack of production, while others believe he has no desire to stay, making a trade the smarter move. The biggest concern is losing him for nothing in free agency after already giving up Martin Necas. Some argue retaining 50% of his salary could still fetch a good return, while others call it an organizational failure if he walks without an extension.

The debate rages on as the recent trade deadline approaches, but one thing is certain, Carolina’s decision on Rantanen will have major implications for their Stanley Cup dreams.

Image Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Carolina Hurricanes

Mikko Rantanen

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!