As has been extensively covered here and by several NHL insiders, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a serious push to acquire Mikko Rantanen before the NHL trade deadline. In fact, the Leafs engaged in multiple trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes, offering what is believed to be three different packages in an attempt to land the star forward.

All things considered, the Hurricanes' decision to trade Rantanen out of the Eastern Conference underscores two facts: their belief that Toronto is a legitimate playoff threat and their trust in their chances of making the postseason and, possibly, facing the Maple Leafs this spring.