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.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner addressed trade rumors for the first time following the deadline, responding to reports that the franchise considered dealing him to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mikko Rantanen.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner could've gone to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes "initially asked" for Marner in return for the Rantanen, and although Toronto considered it, they'd rather try to sign Marner long-term.