Seventeen days ago the hockey world, and fans around this team in particular, were stunned when Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes — suddenly ending his storied 10-year stint with the Colorado Avalanche.

As if the Carolina Hurricanes haven't had enough troubles as of late, new winger Mikko Rantanen will not play this afternoon against the Utah Hockey Club as the Finn has been ruled out with a lower-body injury.

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — There was one thing Mikko Rantanen needed after he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes: his number. Jack Roslovic had the No. 96 for Carolina before Rantanen was acquired in a blockbuster three-team trade last week that also involved the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Carolina Hurricanes could face another difficult trade deadline decision if they are unable to sign Mikko Rantanen to a contract extension before March 7 with his current deal expiring on July 1.

Meshing Rantanen and Hall into the structure of Carolina's system offers the possibility of the Hurricanes elevating their play.

Carolina Hurricanes right winger Mikko Rantanen won’t play Saturday versus the Utah Hockey Club due to a lower-body injury. Acquired from the Colorado

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 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.