Mikko Rantanen was the biggest name bandied about during the NHL trade deadline discussions. In fact, he was so big that he ended up being involved in two of the biggest trades seen in the league this season.
After the Carolina Hurricanes acquired the winger from Colorado in late January, the Eastern Conference contender chose to trade him after he declined the team’s offer for an extension. In the hours leading up to Friday’s 3 p.m. Eastern trade deadline, the Canes finalized a deal with the Dallas Stars, who in turn signed the Finnish star to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $12 million.
BetCarolina.com, where NC sports betting promo codes are always available, developed odds projecting where Rantanen would land, and the Dallas Stars were the favorite. These odds were for infotainment purposes only, and you will not find them at any North Carolina sportsbook, such as BetMGM.
Team | Odds | Percent Chance |
Dallas Stars | ----- | 100% |
Once the Carolina organization realized that it would not get Rantanen to sign, team officials worked to get the best value possible for the 28-year-old, who has scored more than 100 points in each of the last two seasons. They did just that with the Stars, who gave up center Logan Stankoven, 22, and four draft picks – first- and third-round picks in both 2026 and 2027.
In the deal, the Canes got a promising young player with loads of potential – he had three goals in 19 playoff games last season as a rookie – as well as draft picks they could either use or flip for other players. It’s a trade that allows them to win now and possibly improve the franchise’s odds at North Carolina sportsbooks in the future, too.
The Hurricanes are in second place in the Metropolitan Division. They have 78 points, 10 back of the division-leading Washington Capitals. But Carolina’s margin over teams under them in the standings is wide enough that making the playoffs this season should just be a formality.
Even with the second-place standing, many oddsmakers pegged the Canes as their second choice in their current Stanley Cup odds. The Canes are still among the contenders, but their odds lengthened some after the deal was announced. Their odds at BetMGM are now +1100, tied with the Capitals for the fifth shortest on MGM’s futures board.
The Stars and defending champion Florida Panthers, who made some big moves themselves, are now the Stanley Cup co-favorites at BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook, with odds of +600. The Edmonton Oilers, who had been the consensus favorite, are now at +650, and the Avs are priced at +900.
Whether you’re looking to bet on the Stanley Cup playoffs or March Madness, BetCarolina.com is the place to review North Carolina sports betting apps and find the best promo codes available.
USA Today photo by James Guillory
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As a writer and analyst for BetCarolina.com, Steve not only covers gaming news and developments in North Carolina but also provides insights into what they mean for bettors, licensed operators and the state. A veteran journalist with 25 years of experience covering sports, politics and business, Steve has reported on the gambling industry intently over the past five years.
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