The Carolina Hurricanes have been exploring the trade market for Mikko Rantanen after not getting a definitive answer from the winger, and a new contender has emerged in the now financially flexible Florida Panthers.

The NHL trade deadline for the 2024-25 season is at 3 p.m. ET Friday. While a number of blockbusters have already happened -- including Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes and Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers -- there are some big names still reportedly available to contenders.

After losing the 2024 Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are the favorites to raise the Cup in 2025. Acquiring star forward Mikko Rantanen in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche,

Also: Good vibes in Utah with meaningful games in March and a franchise not selling for the first time in ages.

The Hurricanes are currently trying to extend Mikko Rantanen, but he has not signed on the dotted ... for the long term as they are struggling to do that with Marner. The Florida Panthers were listed as a possible destination for Rantanen as well if ...

The Panthers could have a trade up their sleeve after the placing Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR to create cap space.

After acquiring superstar Mikko Rantanen in late January, it appears the Carolina Hurricanes won't be able to re-sign the Finnish winger ahead of Friday's trade deadline.

Trade Deadline is tomorrow at 3pm ET and teams are making decisions on whether to buy or sell, and on which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Check out today's trade rumours and speculation from around the NHL beat.