"If the Leafs are able to satisfy the Hurricanes' trade demands - a package that includes one of their top prospects, Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten, plus Bobby McMann and a draft pick should do it - Rantanen could be the perfect rental player," Kypreos writes.
"If by chance GM Brad Treliving doesn't get Marner signed to a long-term deal before July 1, who better to have as a potential insurance policy than Rantanen?
Unlike the Hurricanes, who are now pressing Rantanen to either sign or be dealt, the Leafs can offer him a pressure-free playoff run and postpone any big decisions until free agency arrives. A deep playoff run would give Toronto a huge leg up in signing him long-term in the event Marner leaves."