“An aggressive approach”: Hurricanes general manager says trading for star winger Mikko Rantanen was a risk worth taking

Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky supported the trade for Mikko Rantanen, even though they were unable to sign him prior to sending him to the Dallas Stars at the deadline. He admitted the gamble but felt the potential payoff was worth it as the team continues to build its roster for the future.

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky came to the defense of his team's aggressive trade for star winger Mikko Rantanen, saying that the move was a risk worth taking. Although they tried, Carolina was not able to sign Rantanen to a long-term contract, so he was sent to the Dallas Stars right before Friday's NHL trade deadline.
Eric Tulsky recognized the risk involved in bringing in a top-notch player with no contract extension but felt the possible payoff was worth the risk. Although the Hurricanes eventually did have to trade Rantanen for the second time, Tulsky was convinced that it was still in the best interest of the team to take the risk, as they continue to push for an increased roster and future prosperity.

"Our organization is characterized by an aggressive approach. Being aggressive means taking some risks. It means taking some chances," Tulsky said. "If the team was already winning [Stanley] Cup after Cup after Cup, maybe that would be a time to be conservative, but we haven't gotten to where we want to be yet. Ultimately, that means you're taking some risks.”
Rantanen was traded twice within two months, once to the Hurricanes in a three-way deal, which included Carolina acquiring Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall, Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Blackhawks also took half of Rantanen's $9.25 million salary cap hit.
Rantanen struggled in Carolina, averaging six points in 13 games, despite adjusting to an unexpected trade from Denver. Carolina Hurricanes are in extension talks with Rantanen, who was presented with a detailed contract proposal during the 4 Nations Face-Off. ESPN reports the deal could be worth between $13 million to $14 million. However, Rantanen, an unrestricted free agent, declined to commit before Friday's deadline.
"My sense of it was that this just didn't feel like home for him, as far as I can tell. And that's OK. He's making an eight-year commitment," Tulsky said.
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Rantanen's signing with Dallas marks the second consecutive season a star acquisition has boosted the Hurricanes, following the departure of Jake Guentzel for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hurricanes owner Tom Tulsky defended the franchise, stating that many high-end players have signed long-term.