Mikko Rantanen turns down monster offer from Carolina Hurricanes.

The Carolina Hurricanes pulled off a major mid season trade during the 2024-25 National Hockey League regular season, prying pending free agent Mikko Rantanen away from the Colorado Avalanche in the hopes of adding a true bonafide superstar to their roster.

Unfortunately for the Hurricanes the trade was only the first step in making that a reality with Rantanen on an expiring deal and in need of a new contract for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL regular season. Thus far there hasn't been any indication one way or another regarding Rantanen's desire to test free agency, but on Saturday night we may have gotten our biggest clue yet.

According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes presented Rantanen with a major contract offer during the Four Nations Face-Off tournament and, more importantly, that offer was not accepted by Rantanen and his representatives.

"During the Four Nations break the Hurricanes met with his representatives face to face," said Friedman during Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night. "The Hurricanes made an offer."

So what do I mean by a major contract offer? Well according to Friedman this new deal would have seen Rantanen earn over $100 million over the course of that deal.

"I believe that offer is into the 9 digits," revealed Friedman. "So it's a big, big, offer."

Unfortunately despite the Hurricanes coming to the table with a massive contract offer, one that would see Rantanen earn an average annual value of over $12.5 million per season over the next 8 years, that deal was not enough to get Rantanen to sign on the dotted line.

"Rantanen at this point in time has said, not yes and not no, he's just said 'I still need to process everything' so at this point in time there's no answer from Rantanen."

No answer with the March 7th trade deadline right around the corner puts the Hurricanes in a rather tight spot, and it sounds like the possibility that Rantanen could be traded a second time this season is not outside the realm of possibility.

"Rantanen is potentially the biggest name headed into the trade deadline," admitted Friedman.

Stay tuned for more on this very intriguing and quickly developing story in Carolina.