Mar 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Boston Bruins at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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Dallas Stars Land Mikko Rantanen in Blockbuster Trade with Carolina Hurricanes in $96M Deal

Dallas strengthens its offense by acquiring elite winger Mikko Rantanen from Carolina and locking him in with an eight-year, $96M contract.

The Dallas Stars made a major splash on Friday, acquiring elite forward Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes and immediately signing him to an eight-year, $96 million contract ($12M AAV).

In return, the Hurricanes receive top prospect Logan Stankoven, conditional first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, plus third-rounders in 2026 and 2027. This marks the second time in less than two months that Rantanen, 28, has been traded. Carolina previously acquired him from Colorado in January.

“It’s been crazy, It was the first time I’ve been traded from Colorado and it happened quick, everything, and all of a sudden you’re on a new team for the first time and then this situation comes with the contract and stuff, so it’s been something that I never thought I would fully experience, but here we are.”: Rantanen told TSN.

All in.

Mikko Rantanen is a Dallas Star.

📰 MORE: https://t.co/jcN8096mHf @Shift4 | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/DhKqDzH9ld
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 7, 2025

Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Carolina, Rantanen opted for Dallas, taking slightly less money but benefiting from Texas’ lower taxes. His brief tenure with the Hurricanes didn’t quite pan out, as he struggled to find chemistry with Sebastian Aho, tallying just six points in 13 games.

Now, Rantanen joins an already formidable Dallas attack, likely slotting alongside Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson on the top line. His arrival provides the stability Dallas has been seeking after trying multiple wingers in that role following Joe Pavelski’s retirement.

Also Read: Winnipeg Jets Set to Acquire Brandon Tanev in Trade

A 2022 Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche, Rantanen has consistently been among the NHL’s top right wings, posting over a point per game throughout his career. In the past three seasons alone, he’s amassed 371 points in 299 games—outpaced only by Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrňák, and Mitch Marner among right wingers.

Now, Dallas eyeing a deep playoff run, adding a proven star like Rantanen could be the final piece to their championship puzzle.

Image Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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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!