Mikko Rantanen Officially Traded in Another Blockbuster and Signed to Massive Contract Extension

He was one of the most talked about names leading up to the NHL's trade deadline, and now, Mikko Rantanen is a member of the Dallas Stars with a new long-term contract already signed.

The Carolina Hurricanes have sent Mikko Rantanen to Texas, and he has agreed to an 8-year deal with the team worth $12 million per season.

The main pieces in the return to the Canes are Logan Stankovan and two first-round picks, which is essentially more than what the Hurricanes gave up to Colorado in exchange for Rantanen in the first place.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in the Finnish forward, a trade for Rantanen was simply not in the cards.

However, TSN insider Bob McKenzie said that had Rantanen made it to free agencyz the Leafs were a preferred destination for the player, and expected that the team would make a move for him if he made it to July 1st.

Rantanen was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this season after contract talks with the team fell through.

It was rumoured that he wanted somewhere between $13 and $14 million on a new deal with the Avs.

Rantanen's time with the Hurricanes saw a drop in production, with just 2 goals and 6 points in 13 games, well below his usual average.

However, at 28 years of age, Rantanen has plenty of time to bounce back, and now has the opportunity to play on a line with fellow Finnish star, Roope Hintz.

Rantanen has played 632 games in his NHL career so far, and is over a point-per-game player with 687 (289 G, 398 A).