Contract extension: Mikko Rantanen open… but not in Carolina?

Mikko Rantanen does not seem to want to stay in Carolina long-term, a place where he does not seem comfortable.
Is he not comfortable because the Hurricanes are doing things he does not like, or is he not comfortable because it is simply not Colorado?
We seem to have the answer to the question.
According to what David Pagnotta reports, Rantanen, who has a chance of being traded in the next 26 hours, would be open to signing an extension with “the right team” as part of a sign/trade.
This would help Carolina, who has not decided what to do with him, make a decision.
Mikko Rantanen is open to signing an extension with “the right team” as part of a sign/trade. It’s one option believed to be available in a fluid situation and would help maximize a return for Carolina. Everything seems to be on the table, including Canes keeping him.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 6, 2025
But a few hours ago, Pierre LeBrun reported that the player would not be ready to make a decision by tomorrow regarding the contract offer that is on the table for him to stay in Carolina.
So, do we understand that the player would be open to signing a long-term contract… but not in Carolina? Maybe.
Probably as expected, but league sources confirm that Carolina has received clarity from Mikko Rantanen’s camp as far as not being ready to make a decision on the team’s contract offer by Friday’s trade deadline. Hence, Carolina talking to teams and seeing for real what the trade…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 6, 2025
Naturally, we have to wonder if it’s a question of money. Are the Hurricanes willing to pay $14 million per year? Would the player accept less elsewhere?
Would a team be willing to pick him up simply as a rental, without a contract? I don’t know.
Short of getting a king’s ransom (and I’m not sure that’s on the table at this point, given his recent performances), I don’t see how the Hurricanes can think of trading him just before the playoffs.
It’s without a doubt THE story to follow right now in the NHL. This and Joel Armia, of course. #Irony
in brief
– Wow.
Matt Rempe didn’t hold back during his exchange with Tom Wilson.
(via: @NYP_Brooksie) pic.twitter.com/yAsRzGjDrI
— BarDown (@BarDown) March 6, 2025
– No Jeff Skinner against the CH? Okay.
The CH will face Stuart Skinner tonight for the Oilers, who will be without Ekholm and Klingberg. First game for Max Jones. Jeff Skinner left out. 9 pm #RDS
— Marc Denis (@MarcDenis_RDS) March 6, 2025
– Good reading.
We’re setting the table for the Rangers’ season. https://t.co/N0QcnBqLKy
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 6, 2025
– David Savard is not worth as much, in my opinion. But it gives an idea of the market.
The #CH is in the West with only 6 defensemen.
It doesn’t seem to indicate that they plan to trade David Savard!
Given what the Ducks got for Brian Dumoulin, I hope KH listens carefully to offers for Savard…#NHLTradeDeadline
— Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) March 6, 2025
– Note.
The Blue Jackets are in the heart of the playoff race in the East. https://t.co/LlW9MGuK7X
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 6, 2025