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.

This wasn’t just any trade offer, but the Hurricanes had no interest in sending Rantanen to the Maple Leafs. And their reasoning had nothing to do with the players, picks, or financial aspects of the deal.