After participating in the 4 Nations, Rantanen is facing questions about his future and adjusting to his new surroundings.

Forgive me for being so blunt, but it’s my belief that the week-and-a-half leading up to the NHL’s Trade Deadline on March 7 is a franchise-defining stretch for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes are not reportedly shopping Mikko Rantanen on the trade market with less than two weeks left until the deadline.

Rantanen, who has back-to-back 100-point seasons and also played at that pace the two seasons prior, had just two points in six games with Carolina before the 4 Nations break, missing the last game due to injury. He had one assist on Saturday vs. Toronto.

It's been over a month since the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster three-team deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks. Nevertheless, it's rumored the 28-year-old right winger could be peddled before the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

A Sportsnet report Saturday night indicated that Carolina Hurricanes right winger, Mikko Rantanen, was considering a massive contract extension offer from the team – specifically, a financial amount that was “into the nine digits”.

It seems Carolina’s only focus right now is keeping Rantanen, whether as an extended player or worst case as a rental.

All eyes will be on the Carolina Hurricanes and what comes next with Mikko Rantanen. As NHLTradeTalk.com has documented, Rantanen was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a three-team deal.