The Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs nearly made the blockbuster of all blockbusters at this year's Trade Deadline. According to a post-deadline report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the pair of Eastern Conference powers discussed a deal that would have swapped superstar forwards.

DENVER — Mitch Marner addressed reports the Toronto Maple Leafs asked the star winger to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, indicating he wasn’t surprised and that he “had a feeling something might happen.”

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.