Report: Hurricanes make offer to Rantanen

The Carolina Hurricanes submitted a contract offer to Mikko Rantanen after a face-to-face meeting with his representatives over the 4 Nations Face-Off break, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The offer is believed to be worth at least $100 million, Friedman added. Rantanen reportedly needs more time before deciding whether to accept the offer.

The Hurricanes could also consider flipping Rantanen before the March 7 trade deadline if the sides can't agree on an extension by then, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.

Carolina acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a stunning, three-way megadeal in January.

Rantanen is in the final season of a six-year, $55.5-million contract signed in 2019. The Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of his $9.25-million cap hit as part of the trade.

The 28-year-old Finnish star has struggled to get going with the Hurricanes, managing three points in seven games. Rantanen posted 25 goals and 39 assists in 49 contests with the Avalanche this season on the heels of back-to-back 100-point campaigns.