With the NHL trade deadline set for 3 PM EST on March 7th, the Carolina Hurricanes find themselves at a crossroads. Their blockbuster acquisition of Mikko Rantanen was meant to be a statement—a move that signaled their intent to contend for the Stanley Cup. But now, just weeks later, that gamble may be unraveling. Rantanen has declined a franchise-record eight-year, $100 million contract extension, leaving the Hurricanes scrambling for answers as the clock ticks down to the deadline.

The Hurricanes made an aggressive push when they landed Rantanen in late January, sending Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks to the Colorado Avalanche in what was hailed as one of the biggest trades of the season. The hope was that Rantanen would be the final piece to elevate Carolina to true contender status. And yet, despite his immediate impact, the superstar winger has made it clear—he has no intention of signing an extension before the deadline.

That revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the league, with multiple teams now lining up in the hopes of prying him away from Carolina before the deadline strikes. The Hurricanes now face a franchise-altering decision: hold onto Rantanen and risk losing him for nothing in free agency, or pivot and deal him to maximize their return. Either way, the fate of their season hangs in the balance.

Metropolitan Division Shake-Up

The playoff race in the Metropolitan Division has taken several dramatic turns over the past week, reshaping how teams approach the deadline. The New Jersey Devils, once poised to challenge the Hurricanes for second place, suffered a major blow when franchise forward Jack Hughes sustained a season-ending injury. Hughes was placed on long-term injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery, freeing up $8 million in cap space. That unexpected development could put the Devils in the mix for Rantanen—if they’re willing to part with the necessary assets.

New Jersey has already started reshuffling, acquiring right-wing prospect Herman Traff from Anaheim, while also participating in a three-team deal that saw them retain 50% of Trent Frederic’s salary in his trade to Edmonton. But these minor moves could be just the beginning if they decide to take a swing at Rantanen.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Metro standings, the Pittsburgh Penguins have taken a different approach. While their playoff hopes are fading, they’ve still managed to make one of the most significant trades in the division, acquiring veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and center Tommy Novak from Nashville in exchange for winger Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick. While this move won’t propel Pittsburgh into contention, it signals that GM Kyle Dubas is reshaping the roster with an eye on the future.

Rangers Heating Up

The New York Rangers’ season looked lost just a few months ago. Sitting outside of the playoff picture at the start of 2025, they were struggling to find their identity. But since the calendar flipped, the Rangers have been one of the hottest teams in the league, surging back into the Wild Card race.

Their biggest splash came when they reunited with J.T. Miller, bringing him back from Vancouver in a trade that energized the fanbase. Originally drafted by the Rangers in 2011, Miller spent six seasons in New York before moving on to Tampa Bay and Vancouver. His return has already provided a boost, but the Rangers weren’t done. They also traded winger Reilly Smith back to the Vegas Golden Knights, receiving center Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick in return.

Still, rumors continue to swirl that New York could be looking for one more major addition. And if they decide to enter the Rantanen sweepstakes, they have the young assets to make an enticing offer.

Washington’s Historic Chase

While much of the focus has been on trades, another storyline is unfolding in Washington. Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of history, sitting just nine goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record of 894.

With Ovechkin’s chase dominating headlines, the Capitals are expected to be active at the deadline, looking for reinforcements to fuel both a deep playoff push and their captain’s quest for immortality. A Stanley Cup run combined with Ovechkin becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer would not only be one of the greatest moments in franchise history—it would solidify his legacy as the best pure goal-scorer the sport has ever seen.

Columbus’ Unexpected Playoff Push

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the Metro this season has been the resurgence of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Written off after a slow start, they have clawed their way into a Wild Card spot thanks to strong performances throughout their lineup. A major boost came with the return of captain Boone Jenner, who missed significant time following shoulder surgery in October.

Despite their unexpected success, Columbus has yet to make a major move before the deadline. The question now is whether they will double down on their playoff push and add reinforcements—or stick with their current group and hope the momentum carries them through.

What’s Next for the Hurricanes?

As the final hours before the trade deadline tick away, the spotlight remains firmly on Carolina and Mikko Rantanen. The Hurricanes are on the verge of a make-or-break decision that will define their season—and potentially their future.

Do they bet on themselves and keep Rantanen for a deep playoff run, knowing they could lose him for nothing in free agency? Or do they strike now, dealing him for assets that could strengthen the team in both the short and long term?

One thing is certain: the Hurricanes are on the clock, and whatever decision they make will send ripples through the Metropolitan Division and beyond.

Written by Josh MacDonald
Edited by Josh Elijah