RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mikko Rantanen scored his first goal for the Carolina Hurricanes in a 3-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks at Lenovo Center on Thursday.

The Blackhawks could expedite their painstaking rebuilding process and be significant players in free agency this summer.

The Finnish winger, obtained in mega trade with the Colorado Avalanche, earned his first goal as a Hurricane, while fellow newcomer Taylor Hall was a late scratch with an illness.

Will he re-sign in Carolina after this season -- and if not, where else? And what will other contenders do to keep pace ahead of the March 7 deadline?

It’ll be hard to assess the impact of the Carolina Hurricanes’ acquisition of Mikko Rantanen for months, but a goal in his Lenovo Center debut doesn’t hurt.

The newly acquired Mikko Rantanen is making himself right at home with his new team.In his first home game since being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, Rantanen recorded his first goal as a member of the squad.

Can we anticipate Mikko Rantanen lighting the lamp when the Carolina Hurricanes face off with the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:00 PM ET on Thursday? To help you with your bets, check out the numbers and insights below.

The Carolina Hurricanes, with Mikko Rantanen, will be in action Thursday versus the Chicago Blackhawks at PNC Arena, beginning at 7:00 PM ET. Considering a bet on Rantanen in the Hurricanes-Blackhawks matchup?

After one of the biggest in-season blockbuster trades in recent history, could the Mikko Rantanen deal have a rippling effect?

Here are our Mikko Rantanen trade grades for the Blackhawks, Avalanche, and Hurricanes after Friday's stunning deal.

Mikko Rantanen, who played parts of ten seasons and won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, is joining the Carolina Hurricanes, the team