Mikko Rantanen #96 of Team Finland
Could the Red Wings Land a Star in a Blockbuster Deal? One Trade Proposal Has Detroit Making a Bold Move
The Detroit Red Wings are pushing to end their playoff drought, and a recent trade pitch has them making a massive splash to solidify their roster. According to PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows fans to construct potential trades, one user proposed a deal that would bring star forward Mikko Rantanen to Detroit in a blockbuster swap.
Breaking Down the Proposed Trade
In the hypothetical deal, the Red Wings would acquire Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for:
- J.T. Compher ($2.6 million salary retained)
- Patrick Kane
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 first-round pick
It would be a bold move for Detroit, parting with two first-round picks and two key roster players. However, adding Rantanen, a proven offensive powerhouse, could give the Red Wings the boost they need to secure a playoff berth.
Why Rantanen Makes Sense for Detroit
Rantanen is in the final year of his six-year, $55.5 million contract and has been a force this season, tallying 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points in 55 games split between Colorado and Carolina. If Detroit were to land him, he would likely slot onto their top line, immediately giving them one of the most dynamic scoring threats in the league.
The Red Wings would be banking on Rantanen as a game-changing addition, but it would come at a steep cost. Giving up two first-round picks is a hefty price, and Compher and Kane are both key contributors.
Compher, in the second year of his five-year, $25.5 million deal, has provided solid depth with 21 points in 49 games. Meanwhile, Kane, a future Hall of Famer, has chipped in 31 points in 45 games since signing a one-year, $4 million deal with Detroit. His offensive ability could help Carolina if they opt to move on from Rantanen.
Could Carolina Really Flip Rantanen?
Carolina made waves when they acquired Rantanen, but with his impending free agency, his name has resurfaced in trade discussions. NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Hurricanes might not hesitate to flip him before the March 7 trade deadline.
“If this gets closer to March 7, and he’s unsigned and they have a feeling he’s not going to sign,” Seravalli said on DailyFaceoff. “I wouldn’t be shocked. They’ve got an owner just crazy enough to turn around and say let’s see what we can get back what we paid, if not more.”
Rantanen has struggled to find his footing in Carolina, managing just one goal and one assist in six games. If the Hurricanes believe they can recoup assets before potentially losing him in free agency, a trade isn’t out of the question.
Red Wings Focused on Playoff Push
Amid all the trade speculation, Detroit remains locked in a battle for a postseason spot. Since replacing head coach Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan, the Red Wings have surged, posting a 15-5-1 record under their new bench boss.
McLellan is keeping his team focused on continued improvement as they look to lock in a Wild Card spot.
“We can take some time to breathe,” McLellan said. “As a staff, we’ll review where we’ve been and what we need to work on… For us to move forward, those [game-management skills] are going to have to improve.”
Detroit currently holds a 28-22-5 record, clinging to the final Wild Card spot. Adding a talent like Rantanen could give them the firepower to not only make the playoffs but potentially make some noise once they get there.
Final Thoughts
The Red Wings’ front office has a major decision to make. Do they push all-in with a blockbuster trade for Rantanen, sacrificing future assets for a chance to end their postseason drought? Or do they stay the course, trusting the current roster to secure a playoff berth?
With the trade deadline looming, Detroit’s next move could define the rest of their season—and possibly their long-term future.
