Former NHL player and outspoken commentator Paul Bissonnette sharply criticized the Carolina Hurricanes after their 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final. Bissonnette directed much of his frustration toward the situation surrounding Mikko Rantanen refusing the Canes’ contract offer after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche earlier this season, a key issue that has overshadowed Carolina’s playoff run.

The Complex Trade and Contract Situation of Mikko Rantanen

Bissonnette used social media to highlight Carolina’s struggles against Florida, linking their poor performance with Rantanen’s uneasy tenure in Raleigh. After weeks of stalled trade negotiations with Colorado, the Finnish forward was sent to the Hurricanes, but he never appeared comfortable with the organization. His rejection of Carolina’s long-term contract offer prompted another trade, sending him to the Dallas Stars just before the deadline.

Rantanen has since emerged as the leading scorer in the playoffs and a strong contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Analysts argue that both the Avalanche and Hurricanes missed opportunities by failing to secure his services, while Dallas has reaped significant benefits from acquiring him. This outcome has added to Carolina’s tense and disappointing postseason.

Fan Reactions and Trade Rumors Surrounding Rantanen’s Moves

Bissonnette’s remarks received mixed responses, with some fans pushing back against his criticism. Known as a vocal supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bissonnette faced reminders of rumors that the Leafs attempted to land Rantanen in March by offering Mitch Marner in a trade, which fell through after Marner invoked his no-move clause.

Adding complexity, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Carolina later proposed trading Rantanen to the Maple Leafs in exchange for young prospect Matthew Knies; however, Toronto declined this deal, indicating their investment in Knies’ potential.

You know, (Keith) Pelley has some decisions to make. And I think (Craig) Berube is going to have a big voice about the players. And, you know, right at the top, you know, Matthew Knies, they could have traded Matthew Knies for Rantanen in this year. They didn’t. So they obviously think he’s going to be a big part of their future. And we’ll see where those contract talks go,

—Elliotte Friedman, NHL insider

Hurricanes’ Ongoing Struggles and Playoff Outlook

The latest loss marked the Hurricanes’ 15th consecutive defeat in the Eastern Conference final, pushing them to the brink of another sweep in this series. Carolina now faces elimination with the fourth straight sweep looming, as the deciding Game 4 is scheduled for May 26 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Florida. This ongoing downfall has stirred frustration among Canes fans and raised concerns about the team’s future strategies, especially in how they handle high-stakes contract negotiations and player acquisitions.