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.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes discussed a potential deal prior to the trade deadline that involved forwards Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen, TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston wrote for The Athletic on Saturday.

Just when it looked like the Colorado Avalanche made a big move by getting center Brock Nelson, their chief rivals in the Central Division answered with serious salvos in the hours before the NHL trade deadline.