Friedman: Rantanen Trade, Marner’s Plans, More in NHL Headlines

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had his weekly Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. Much like every week, there was a lot to unpack. The main talking point was the Mikko Rantanen trade and the domino effect that will follow now that the trade is complete.

Item #1: Why Did the Avalanche Trade Rantanen?

Friedman began the segment by answering the question almost every hockey fan wanted to know: Why did the Colorado Avalanche trade Rantanen? It all came down to the business side of hockey. Friedman said he believes the Avalanche had no issue making Rantanen the highest-paid winger in the NHL but wanted to maintain their internal cap structure, keeping him in line with Nathan MacKinnon. He said, “Sounds like $11.75 million was Colorado’s number.”

Friedman also noted that the Carolina Hurricanes were very excited to have the opportunity to work out an extension with Rantanen.

Item #2: What Happens With Pettersson?

Next, the Elias Pettersson saga continues. Friedman said, “There was a time yesterday I thought Pettersson was going to be a Hurricane.” However, the deal didn’t work out, and the Hurricanes shifted their attention elsewhere. As a result, Pettersson remains on the trade block, with Friedman mentioning that Buffalo, among other teams, has shown interest.

Item #3: Could Crosby & MacKinnon Play Together?

As soon as the Rantanen trade was completed, attention turned to the possibility of Sidney Crosby and MacKinnon becoming teammates. Friedman addressed this and said, “I don’t think so. I know everybody would love that, but I don’t think that’s in the cards.”

It’s important to remember that Crosby values playing his entire career with one team. He also has full control over his future, which will remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins—especially considering he recently signed a contract extension with them.

Item #4: Is a Marner Trade Next?

Finally, Friedman spoke directly to Toronto Maple Leafs fans about Mitch Marner’s future. He dismissed the idea of the Maple Leafs attempting a similar move and trading Marner this season. He emphasized that it isn’t possible due to Marner’s contract, which includes a full no-movement clause. Unlike Rantanen, who had a partial no-movement clause, Marner cannot be traded.

Next: The Why: Hurricanes, Blackhawks, & Avalanche Make Big Trades