When the Carolina Hurricanes learned that Mikko Rantanen was unlikely to sign a long-term contract with the team, they quickly began looking at other trade options. One reported possibility involved a major deal with the Dallas Stars that would have sent Jason Robertson to Carolina.

According to NHL Rumour Report on X, citing comments from Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show, the Hurricanes and Stars discussed a possible Rantanen-for-Robertson trade after it became clear that Rantanen would not stay in Carolina. However, the trade never happened.

Johnston said, "Re Hurricanes: They...made a major trade for Mikko Rantanen; once it was clear he wasn't gonna sign...they...made a second move; they were talking to Dallas...the Hurricanes could've had Jason Robertson; they...chose Logan Stankoven"

The decision stands out because Jason Robertson is one of the NHL’s top offensive wingers. The 25-year-old played all 82 regular-season games and finished with 96 points, including 45 goals and 51 assists. He also recorded eight points in six playoff games, scoring five goals and adding three assists.

Robertson is now a restricted free agent after finishing a four-year, $31 million contract with a $7.75 million annual cap hit. The Dallas Stars still control his rights and are working on a long-term extension.

Carolina chose Logan Stankoven instead. While Robertson is the more proven scorer, Stankoven gives the Carolina Hurricanes a younger player, more cost certainty, and greater long-term flexibility.

The 22-year-old scored 21 goals and finished with 44 points in 81 regular-season games. He then stepped up in the playoffs with 16 points and 11 goals in 19 games.

For Carolina, the value of Stankoven comes from adding a young forward with high potential and a team-friendly contract, while Dallas kept its established star in Robertson.

Why the Hurricanes Chose a Different Path?

The story becomes even more interesting when looking at what happened with Mikko Rantanen afterward. After leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Dallas Stars on March 7, 2025. 

The deal keeps him in Dallas through the 2032–33 season. Carolina originally hoped to make Rantanen a key part of its future, but those plans changed when it became clear that a long-term contract was unlikely.

Rantanen finished the regular season with 77 points in 64 games, scoring 22 goals and adding 55 assists. He also recorded seven points in six playoff games.

Instead of trading for Jason Robertson, the Carolina Hurricanes chose Logan Stankoven and quickly made him an important part of their plans. The team signed the young forward to an eight-year, $48 million contract with a $6 million annual cap hit.

Looking back, Chris Johnston’s comments show how close Carolina may have been to acquiring one of the NHL’s top goal scorers. Instead, the Hurricanes placed their faith in Stankoven’s potential, while the Dallas Stars kept Robertson and later added Rantanen as another key piece of their roster.

What do you think? Did the Hurricanes make the right choice in choosing Logan Stankoven over Jason Robertson long-term? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi