Mikko Rantanen was intrigued by a move to the Edmonton Oilers before the Carolina Hurricanes shipped him to the Dallas Stars on Friday, sources told TSN's Ryan Rishaug.
The Oilers and the star forward made progress on an extension that was richer than the eight-year, $96-million deal Rantanen signed with Dallas, Rishaug adds. However, a trade never materialized as the Hurricanes reportedly felt Edmonton's package of assets wasn't strong enough.
The Stars landed Rantanen for Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks, and two third-rounders. He played only 13 games with the Hurricanes, who acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche in a shocking trade in January.
Reports before the deadline suggested most contenders around the league were interested in Rantanen.
The Oilers were in the market for forward help throughout the frenzy and ultimately acquired Trent Frederic and Max Jones from the Boston Bruins. Edmonton also brought in defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks.
Rantanen (70 points) would have given Edmonton three of the top 13 scorers in the NHL this season along with Leon Draisaitl (95) and Connor McDavid (79).
Rantanen's debut with the Stars will be against the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday night.
