Rumor Corner: negotiation pause between the Stars and Mikko Rantanen

Mikko Rantanen, if he’s traded, may be heading to Dallas. If nothing changes, at least.

However, it’s essential to note that for now, nothing is done. Why? Because if there is a trade, it would require a long-term contract extension in hand.

You know, what the Hurricanes haven’t done?

In fact, because salary negotiations have been put on hold for the moment, it’s unclear what will happen with this situation.

Will a middle ground be found?

Negotiations for a contract extension between the @DallasStars and Mikko Rantanen’s clan were put on hold last night. They should resume this morning. If there’s an agreement, the trade with the @Canes will be concluded. Does Carolina have a plan B with a…

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 7, 2025

Since Rantanen seems open to signing with Dallas, we can think that the problem is the amount of money. Will he get the $14 million per year he wants?

And will someone eventually give him what he wants?

Colorado, Carolina, and now Dallas, who don’t want to give Rantanen $14 million per year. How many rejections will it take for him to understand he’s not worth that amount?

— Stephane Gonzalez (@stephgonzz) March 7, 2025

Ryan O’Reilly to New Jersey?

The Nashville Predators are not eager to trade Ryan O’Reilly at any cost. Really not, even, considering that we feel he’s part of the solution in Nashville.

But that doesn’t stop teams from calling… including the Devils.

As #njdevils sort through their options on center market, I’m told they’ve expressed interest in #preds Ryan O’Reilly, who has two years left on his deal.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2025

O’Reilly is still under contract for two years. And since the Devils (who are involved in a lot of trade chatter) already needed help at center before losing Jack Hughes for the rest of the season, it’s not a surprising rumor.

To be continued, but he has a good chance of staying put.

Elias Pettersson’s File

To what extent are the Vancouver Canucks willing to trade Elias Pettersson by 3 pm? I expect him to stay, but it doesn’t change the fact that his name is still circulating.

Cam Robinson reports that the Canucks are listening to what other teams have to say about Pettersson.

I’m hearing that Vancouver is once again listening on Elias Pettersson ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 6, 2025

In a nutshell

— To be continued with the CH.

I’m looking forward to seeing the @CanadiensMTL day with the series still alive. Will Kent Hughes be tempted to trade a player who becomes a UFA on July 1st? Given the team’s recent success, it would be surprising. The market being very expensive…

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 7, 2025

— Daniel Brière will be busy today.

Flyers update. Big ask on Ristolainen. 1st, prospect and player. Decent chance he stays in Philly. Hard to replace. Teams that missed on Nelson are circling on Laughton and the price is a haul.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 7, 2025

— He shouldn’t leave New York today.

Barring a shocking turn of events, we likely won’t see Noah Dobson traded today…@ChrisBottaNHL: “Moving Dobson, to me, right now I don’t think you’d get equal value for him or even close to it, and he’s just too young”#Isles #thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/NnUT7uQxMa

— The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) March 7, 2025

— Let’s keep an eye on the Oilers for Brad Marchand. [BPM Sports]

— The Hawks won’t trade him cheaply.

There’s extension talks going on between the Blackhawks and pending UFA Ryan Donato, let’s see if Chicago can extend him today. If not, the Hawks have been telling teams all week they need to be blown away to move him.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 7, 2025