After the way Mikko Rantanen played Thursday night, the Hurricanes really had no choice but to cut their losses and hope his departure is addition by subtraction.

The NHL world couldn't take their attention off Mikko Rantanen during the trade deadline as the Carolina Hurricanes star was dealt to the Dallas Stars in a deal that took longer than anticipated, and ended with an eight-year contract extension in place.

The 28-year-old was acquired in exchange for forward Logan Stankoven, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick