Insider reveals details of Oilers offer to Mikko Rantanen at trade deadline
Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers didn't end up making a splash on the trade deadline day, but insider reports indicate they came close to landing superstar Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Oilers have been rumoured to be in on Rantanen at multiple points this season, including as a suitor for him in free agency.
Edmonton Oilers were deep into talks to acquire and sign Mikko Rantanen
According to reports from TSN insider Ryan Rishaug, the Oilers were one of the teams heavily interested in acquiring Rantanen, and even began offering a contract extension for more than he got with the Dallas Stars.
Sources say Rantanen had interest in coming to Edmonton and things were well down the path of an extension being agreed to - $ were north of what Dallas signed him for. In the end, the trade assets weren't there to get it done.
Unfortunately, Rantanen has now inked an extension with the Dallas Stars, taking Rantanen off the table for a free agent offer - but it was still nearly one of the biggest trades in recent Oilers history.
Dallas ended up trading Logan Stankoven, an impressive 22 year old roster player as well as 2 first round picks for Rantanen. Edmonton likely just couldn't beat that trade package, which was the reason they missed out on him.
According to a recent update from PuckPedia, the Oilers project to have nearly $15M in salary cap space next offseason.
They'll have to take care of their own signings too, but Edmonton will have enough space to go big-game hunting in free agency. Perhaps a player like Mitch Marner could be a target.
It's incredible to think of what the Oilers roster could've looked like with Mikko Rantanen involved, and although they missed out, it's encouraging to think they're hunting an elite addition. Hopefully, the new Oilers management group pulls it off this offseason.
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