Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are dealing with Mikko Rantanen, who relies on superstar forwards to sign an extension of their contract with the star, reports ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.
Kaplan added that the two sides remain in talks towards the 3pm trade deadline on Friday.
Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman reported late Thursday night, and Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman was intensifying talks over a deal to send Lantanen from Carolina to Dallas.
The trade framework was uncertain, but the pending unlimited free agent expansion was expected to be a factor, Friedman added.
The Hurricane acquired Martin Necas in January as part of a three-way blockbuster trade that sent the Colorado Avalanche.
Lantanen is away from a 100-point back-to-back season, playing at a similar pace in 49 games against the avalanche. However, he has struggled to find the groove in Carolina, producing two goals and four assists in 13 games since the move.
The 28-year-old cap hit is $4.655 billion after the Chicago Blackhawks held 50% of that as part of their January deal. If the hurricane or another team is willing to maintain the additional 50%, it can be reduced to $2.23 million.
The star has the hat room at will, despite already buying forward Michael Granland and defensive man Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks in February.
Tyler Seguin and his $9.85 million will be in a long-term injured reserve for the remainder of the regular season. It is also unclear whether Milo Heskanen ($8.45 million) will return before the campaign ends. He was given a monthly timeline in early February after knee surgery.
