Insider Leaks Maple Leafs Blockbuster Trade Offer for Superstar Mikko Rantanen

With the trades being finalized after hectic and frenzied trade deadline day, the Toronto Maple Leafs didn't make the gigantic splash some had anticipated although, they added some vert important pieces in Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo.

They may have had a superstar on their hands if all had worked out as well. Given the circumstances surrounding Mikko Rantanen, the Leafs had a serious chance to acquire him.

According to Maple Leafs Analyst and NHL Insider Nick Kypreos stated that the team had the best offer available for Rantanen however the Hurricanes refused to bite on the deal.

While speaking on his show, The Real Kyper and Bourne Podcast, Kypreos not only mentioned that Toronto had the best offer, but that it was a very hefty deal involving all of Toronto's best assets.

Toronto was even willing to re-sign Rantanen and spend on him however with the 'Canes not willing to face Toronto down the line with a beefed up lineup, they decided to hedge their bets on their future and trade with Dallas to acquire four picks and Logan Stankoven.

No doubt Rantanen would have added a huge boost to Toronto's playoff hopes and with an extension in place, then the hit of losing Cowan and Minten hurts a bit less.

But with that trade being a no go, the team instead decided to ship Fraser Minten off to the Boston Bruins for Brandon Carlo (a trade also involving Pittsburgh).

It was a necessary evil for Brad Treliving to trade away one of his best prospects and when it came down to who Toronto thought had more value, it was the potential of Cowan than won out.

Rantanen will now join a star-studded Dallas Stars team that has a serious chance at being Stanley Cup contenders, and also extended star forward Wyatt Johnston as well.

While it wasn't to be for the Maple Leafs and Rantanen, it seems everyone made out alright when it comes to their respected deals. Toronto addresses some key needs without really breaking the bank, and Rantanen gets to make tons of money and have a chance with Dallas.

Could this move backfire on Carolina and had they wished they had gotten Minten and Cowan? It very well could.

But Toronto avoids a potential future disaster, and made out pretty well all things considered.

Win-win.