With just days before that deadline, there's still been no movement on a potential extension, and now, it appears to be all but a guarantee that we see No. 96 in a new uniform before next week.
We've heard little from the Hurricanes on their situation with Rantanen, and while he's improved his numbers a little to 2 goals and 6 points in 11 games played since the trade, they may be looking to add someone a little more impactful ahead of the deadline.
With retention, the team can get his salary cap hit for the remainder of this year down to under $4 million, which is a massive steal for a player of this quality, and while he'll likely only be a rental and hit unrestricted free agency in the summer, it's a risk teams are willing to take, and with two days before the deadline, it's likely one that a team will take.