Will he re-sign in Carolina after this season -- and if not, where else? And what will other contenders do to keep pace ahead of the March 7 deadline?

The Oilers need to sign both Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard to long-term deals this summer, but could they also fit in Mikko Rantanen?

Here are three blockbuster Avalanche trade targets in the wake of the stunning Mikko Rantanen trade with the Hurricanes.

Mikko Rantanen has been traded to the Hurricanes in recent days. But even though the trade was unexpected, it doesn’t mean he will automatically continue his career in Carolina for the next few years.

The Colorado Avalanche stunningly traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night, and he was reportedly blindsided.

Mikko Rantanen has only been a Carolina Hurricane for a few days. Yet, that hasn't stopped analysts in the hockey world from speculating about his future.

Chris MacFarland pointed to Rantanen’s pending free agency and the club’s desire to get deeper after three years of being short in that department as reasons for the trade. The NHL’s salary cap ceiling, which is set at $88 million this year but is expected to rise — possibly significantly — in the next couple of seasons is also a factor.

Elliotte Friedman reports that money was one significant factor (perhaps the biggest) in the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen.

The Colorado Avalanche trading star Mikko Rantanen signifies a change in their team-building approach from front-loading their squad to improving their depth.

Rantanen is an elite NHL scorer. He’s a house of man (six-foot-four, 215 pounds) who can be described as equal parts shooter and distributor. Most of his assists come off the cycle or by outmuscling opponents to extend plays in the trenches. He isn’t a massive threat off the rush, though.

NHL teams will qualify for the playoffs. The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin in mid-April and last through June. Which teams are most likely to win the Stanley Cup? NHL Power Rankin

Rantanen has 64 points in 50 games. If the Oilers were to add a player of his caliber, it would certainly bring stability to the revolving door that has been the Oilers' top-six forward group. Additionally, Rantanen won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche. And you can never have too many winners on your team.