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.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (96) skates against the New York Islanders. Rantanen, 28, is in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract and could be seeking a deal in the range of $14 million per year— comparable to Leon Draisaitl’s extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

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.

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

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.