Horrible news emerges regarding Mikko Rantanen's status for this afternoon's game

Carolina Hurricanes' Mikko Rantanen has an undisclosed issue and his status for today's game is doubtful. The Carolina Hurricanes offense would take a massive blow if he happens to be out.

Rantanen is the workhorse of the Hurricanes, playing in 55 games and recording 26 goals, and 40 assists for a total of 66 points this season so far.

Statistics have him as one of the best in the league for a right winger, 3rd in assists, and 4th in overall points, respectively.

With 156 shots taken, he's 9th in shots for right-wingers. Rantanen is a force behind the Hurricanes' success in terms of creating scoring opportunities and making plays for his fellow teammates.

Rantanen being out, even for a game, will disrupt the momentum of the Carolina Hurricanes' offense. This season, he has been consistent, going on multiple goal and point streaks throughout the season.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman brewed suspicion of a serious injury when he stated that Rantanen didn't warm up, which appeared to suggest that he won't see any ice time today.

Should Rantanen be forced to sit out, the Hurricanes would be compelled to depend on replacement talent in an attempt to replace him in the lineup.