Top NHL Insider Predicts Canadian Contender Will Land Mikko Rantanen In Free Agency

The NHL was completely shocked by the Mikko Rantanen trade that sent him East to the Carolina Hurricanes, but already, talk has begun about his impending free agency over the summer.

Reportedly, Rantanen turned down an offer of $11.75 million from the Avalanche that would have made him the highest paid winger in the NHL, but with his agency having eyes on the $14 million AAV deal signed by Leon Draisaitl this past summer.

While the Hurricanes are still expected to have a great shot at re-signing him before he hits free agency, if that doesn't happen, there is expected to be immense interest in him on the open market, even with the heavy asking price.

Now, Insider Andy Strickland seemingly believes he could be in play to join Draisaitl in Edmonton, as he has predicted that Rantanen could end up with the Oilers over the summer given the predicted rise in salary cap.

This belief comes despite the fact that the Oilers still need to lock down both Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, Strickland believes they can clear enough cap space to make it happen, but even with the rising salary cap, it just doesn't appear to be possible.

Given the incredible star power the top-six would have if this were to come to fruition however, it makes sense for the Oilers to pursue Rantanen, but ultimately, there are teams out there can likely offer him much, much more than the Oilers, so now we may truly find out whether he's all about the money or wants to play alongside other top stars in the NHL.