Mikko Rantanen's Chances of Being Traded to the Maple Leafs Just Took a Major Hit
Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen is back on the trade market and the Toronto Maple Leafs have proven to be one of the many interested teams.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is currently under the microscope right now as he has yet to make a trade at the NHL trade deadline.
Although he did put Ryan Reaves on waivers earlier today to clear cap space, fans are hoping for something a little bit more substantial.
The Maple Leafs are reportedly one of the many teams interested in a Mikko Rantanen trade and if Treliving made it happen, the fans would be forgiving.
Toronto Maple Leafs interested in Mikko Rantanen
Tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes are in action and surprisingly, Rantanen took warmups and is an active participant in the game.
Due to his status on the trading block, some thought that perhaps the Hurricanes would seek to keep him out of the lineup.
Now, it appears as though the team could be having some second thoughts, or perhaps, they just don't want to disturb the natural order of things.
If you are a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, this is already a disappointing update as it puts you one step further from acquiring Mikko Rantanen.
To make things worse, a new report from Pierre LeBrun suggests that the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights are the actual frontrunners for the forward.
The Leafs reportedly turned down a Rantanen trade that would have included forward Matthew Knies. There is a 29-point difference between these guys as the Hurricanes forward has 70 and Knies has 31.
However, the Maple Leafs are adamant that Knies is going to be a huge part of their future and they are worried about where Rantanen's commitments lie.
If the Panthers end up finalizing the deal, then Toronto is no better off as a Division rival gets a whole lot better.
Tomorrow is going to be fascinating.
*UPDATE :
Dallas Stars Fleece the Carolina Hurricanes as Mikko Rantanen Trade is Made Official
