RALEIGH, N.C. — Mikko Rantanen, a 28-year-old forward with two 100-point seasons, has told the Carolina Hurricanes he’s not signing an extension before Friday’s trade deadline. This news has sparked interest from various teams eager to trade for him, as he stands out as a top target in NHL discussions.
Interestingly, some teams looking at Rantanen are also considering Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins. If Rantanen is unavailable or too pricey, Marchand could be a more affordable option.
Marchand does have a no-trade clause with eight teams listed, and it’s unclear if the Bruins have asked him to waive this protection.
The Bruins are actively exploring trade options for Marchand and have set a high asking price. An NHL executive speculated that this could include a first-round pick, a roster player, and a top prospect—a notable return for what may only be a rental.
Marchand has missed his third consecutive game due to an upper-body injury sustained earlier this month. The Bruins have described his condition as week-to-week, which might mean he stays with the team past the trade deadline. In fact, Marchand has expressed a strong wish to finish his career in Boston, a sentiment shared by the team’s general manager.
However, Marchand’s contract is nearing its end, and they have been trying to negotiate an extension. Differences in opinion on contract length may make an agreement challenging.
The Bruins are also dealing with their own struggles. They are just three points away from the second wild-card spot following a tough loss to the Hurricanes, where they narrowly lost 3-2. Key players like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm are currently out, adding to the team’s challenges.
Recently, the Bruins traded Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers, receiving a second-round pick, which is essential for building their roster amidst some tough seasons. Other teams, like the Seattle Kraken, have also seen great success with trades, securing two first-round picks in separate deals.
While Marchand wants to remain a Bruin, the situation could still lead to a compromise before the trade deadline. If negotiations don’t finalize in time, the Bruins must have a clear plan for what comes next, so they don’t risk losing him for nothing.
Additionally, the Bruins traded Justin Brazeau to the Minnesota Wild, acquiring three players, including Jakub Lauko. This indicates the Bruins are looking to revamp their roster. Lauko is a restricted free agent, as is Marat Khusnutdinov, who was part of the deal.
As the pressure of trade rumors looms, Morgan Geekie of the Bruins reflected on the tough nature of this time of year, noting it’s difficult to see teammates go, especially those who’ve become family. He expressed hope that whatever changes lie ahead will lead the Bruins to continued success.
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Source linkBoston Bruins, NHL
