It seems Carolina’s only focus right now is keeping Rantanen, whether as an extended player or worst case as a rental.

It's been over a month since the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster three-team deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks. Nevertheless, it's rumored the 28-year-old right winger could be peddled before the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

Rantanen’s world has been upended. He joined the Hurricanes during a road trip. Carolina has played seven games since the trade, but Rantanen missed one with a minor injury. He does have an apartment now in Raleigh but hasn’t spent much time there.