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Fraser Minten, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHL Rumors: Rantanen, Ferraro, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Oilers

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 11:40 AM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there are just over 24 hours before the NHL trade deadline comes and goes, and there is big news coming out of a few organizations. Mikko Rantanen gave his decision to the Carolina Hurricanes, which led the Canes to pick up the phone and start talking trades. The Toronto Maple Leafs know what it will cost to acquire Brayden Schenn, and the ask is huge. The Edmonton Oilers need a defenseman and have been scouring the market. Finally, sellers like the San Jose Sharks are taking one final swing to see if they can take advantage of a market that favors them.

Rantanen Says He’s Not Signing Before Friday

Mikko Rantanen has told the Hurricanes he’s not prepared to sign an extension before Friday’s deadline, so the Hurricanes have a big decision to make. Pierre LeBrun tweeted on Thursday morning that after they received clarity from Rantanen’s camp, Carolina started talking to teams and “seeing for real what the trade market is for him.” He adds, “It comes down to weighing best trade offers on the table versus keeping Rantanen as a rental… let’s see how it goes.”

Carolina needs to know if they can get the kind of return that makes it worth moving on and recouping something from their trade with Colorado. If not, they’ll keep Rantanen, try to make a run, and keep plugging away at a possible extension until July 1.

Frank Seravalli writes that the Hurricanes are getting compelling offers, but are they good enough to move Rantanen and go a different direction?

Maple Leafs Willing to Move All 3 Top Prospects for Schenn?

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on TSN Insider trading Wednesday night that the Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping tabs on Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues, but the price to acquire him is massive.

Dreger asks, “Would Toronto consider trading all three of their young prospects? You’re talking about Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Ben Danford for Brayden Schenn.” He adds, “Is that even enough?” Dreger suggests that the Blues aren’t sold on moving Schenn, but they’re keeping the lines of communication open enough to see if a team will step up and over-offer for the player.

Sharks Taking Trade Calls on Ferraro

Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the San Jose Sharks are willing to see what the market will provide for defenseman Mario Ferraro. He posted:

“San Jose Sharks are listening on LHD Mario Ferraro, 26, who has one more year on his deal next season at $3.25M cap hit. It doesn’t mean they’ll move him. Happy to keep him. But given the small number of D on the trade market, Sharks are seeing what comes their way.”

Oilers Making Several Calls on Defensemen

LeBrun noted during insider trading that the Oilers are working the phones and pressing to find a defenseman they can acquire before Friday. There is a sense of panic in Edmonton right now with the way the team is playing, and GM Stan Bowman is doing his best not to make irrational moves. Still, the Oilers feel they need to do something.

Fans are calling for a goaltender, but it doesn’t look like that’s where the Oilers are leaning.

A big swing by the Oilers will likely be contingent on them having a play to make with Evander Kane’s contract.

Are the Canucks Moving Boeser?

The future of Brock Boeser in Vancouver is still unclear but it sounds like a trade is more likely than it is the forward sticks around. With teams finding out they have needs and available cap space, Boeser could be a good rental replacement in certain markets. Could the Devils look at Boeser now that Jack Hughes is out all season? Would the Carolina Hurricanes move Rantanen as part of a deal to acquire Boeser and remain competitive in the east? Maybe he’ll sign an extension there?

Boeser has struggled of late, but there is still a market for him. However, the Canucks don’t want to throw in the towel on the season.