The Carolina Hurricanes were at the center of the trade deadline for a lot of the wrong reasons. The drama surrounding Mikko Rantanen generated plenty of headlines, but the team is starting to peak in spite of that turbulence.

Rantanen is tied for 10th in the NHL in points this season (70) and is fourth over the past five seasons (437 in 351 games).

A few weeks ago, it looked like the Blues would be sellers, their chances of qualifying for Stanley Cup Playoffs unlikely. But things have changed, and they are now among those jockeying for a postseason spot and hope to be kept together past the Deadline.