Insider Drops Huge Update on Maple Leafs' Push for Mikko Rantanen

Friday's deadline has seen one big trade so far with Dylan Cozens headed to the Ottawa Senators. It's a big way to kick things off and with several other big names in play; who knows who's next?

Well, for Maple Leafs fans they certainly hope it's Mikko Rantanen coming over (though at this point, I'm sure fans will take anyone they can get). But TSN Insider Bob McKenzie revealed that may be an unlikely scenario given the circumstances around who Toronto would need to give up.

Though it wasn't the end of Rantanen to Toronto rumors, as McKenzie also stated Rantanen likes the idea of playing there but doesn't mean a deal is going to be made, but it could lead to something down the line.

Rantanen, 28, has 70 points in 62 games for both Colorado and Carolina (27G, 43A) and has already been dealt once this season for a package including Martin Necas.

There was a lot of talk however regarding a potential deal between the Dallas Stars and the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Rantanen, however it was due to a contract extension that talks had stalled.

However it looks like there has been some serious strides according to NHL Insider and Analyst Nick Kypreos.

Elliotte Friedman also notes that an 8-year deal with a $12M AAV would be the kicker and get the deal done for both teams.

It's just a matter of time before the deal is finalized and we see which pieces head back to their respective new teams.

It's a massive coup for a Dallas team who has now solidified their spot as a true Cup contender and also gives Rantanen a fresh new home to run an offense with alongside Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnson.

The biggest surprise is the actual value of the deal. With so much talk about $14M being the price point for Rantanen this summer, this absolutely throws a wrench into Mitch Marner's potential next contract, and sets this year's precedent for free agency.

Arguably the biggest fish of the day has been caught with a few hours left to go. With two big dominoes falling in Cozens and Rantanen; who is the next to make their way to a new team?