Apparently, the Carolina Hurricanes—once bitten, but not twice shy—are aiming to land one of the most coveted UFAs in the upcoming NHL free agency class. Despite the embarrassing saga with Mikko Rantanen, the Hurricanes remain undeterred in their pursuit of elite talent. They believe that securing a household name could be exactly what they need to finally put their Eastern Conference Final frustrations to rest.
After trading for Rantanen midway through the 2024-25 NHL season, the Hurricanes looked like one of the most serious contenders to the Stanley Cup, but they were unaware of what would follow. The Canes did make it to the Conference Finals stage, but Rantanen was no longer on the team, and Carolina was really no matchup for the Florida Panthers.
Several factors could help explain the Hurricanes’ collapse—from defensive breakdowns and an offensive drought to Frederik Andersen’s unexpected decline. In the end, though, it may have all started with the Rantanen trade—and the subsequent move to Dallas, along with all the drama that came with it.
Still, who’s to say the Hurricanes shouldn’t pursue a bold move in the NHL again? Carolina has now set its sights on the top available free agent, Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, who isn’t expected to re-sign with his hometown team, where he was selected to in 2015.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts after losing to the Florida Panthers 6-1 in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
“The Hurricanes still want a superstar this summer, will try again to land Mitch Marner,” insider Elliotte Friedman stated on his 32 Thoughts Podcast.
see also
After heartbreaking elimination vs Connor McDavid’s Oilers, Stars cut ties with Mikko Rantanen’s veteran teammate
Facing competitors
Of course, being interested in Marner and actually signing him are two different stories, and the Hurricanes are facing several contenders for the 28-year-old forward. Among those, the Vegas Golden Knights are one of the franchises keeping a close eye on the winger.
The Golden Knights might be running with an advantage over the Hurricanes, as they are located in Nevada, where there is no income tax to bite on Marner’s salary. Regardless, the Canes won’t back down from the fight anytime soon.
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According to reports from The Athletic’s James Mirtle, “Utah, Vegas, Carolina, Los Angeles are most likely fits for Mitch Marner.” Moreover, they will be looking to vamp up their lineup with more strength and size throughout the lines. “Hurricanes will look for bigger, heavier players on the market this summer,” Elliotte Friedmnan reported.
