The NHL trade market exploded today with a massive three-team deal centered around superstar Mikko Rantanen heading to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Colorado Avalanche sent their Finnish scoring machine to Carolina, while also orchestrating Taylor Hall’s move from the Chicago Blackhawks to join Rantanen with the Hurricanes.
It’s a deal that’s sending shockwaves through the league.
The Avalanche didn’t come away empty-handed. They’re getting Martin Necas, Jack Drury, plus draft picks in 2025 (second round) and 2026 (fourth round). Chicago’s getting a 2025 third-round pick for their trouble, plus they’ll keep paying half of Rantanen’s salary.
Speaking of money, that’s a big part of this story. Rantanen’s making $9.25 million this year, and he’s due for a huge raise when his contract ends this summer. How huge? Well, only five players in the NHL have scored more points than his 273 over the last three seasons. He’s looking at well over $10 million per year on his next deal.
That’s why Colorado made this move. They’re getting the younger, cheaper Necas, who’s having a breakout year with 16 goals and 39 assists in 49 games. At 26, he just signed a two-year, $13 million contract last summer.
For Carolina, this is about finally getting that elite scorer they’ve been missing. Rantanen’s not just good – he’s incredible. He scored 55 goals last season and has already hit 25 this year. The guy’s topped 30 goals five times in his career.
But here’s what might matter most: Rantanen knows how to win when it counts.
He’s got 101 points in 81 playoff games, including 25 points in 20 games during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run. That’s exactly what Carolina needs as they try to finally break through in the playoffs.
The deal also sends Taylor Hall, 33, to Carolina. He’s been struggling since coming back from an ACL tear, with just 9 goals and 15 assists. But the Hurricanes won’t need him to be a hero – he’ll fit nicely in their bottom six forwards.
Colorado’s getting the 21-year-old Drury in return, who’ll play a similar role for them.
This might not be the end of the dealing. The Avalanche just freed up about $1 million in salary cap space, and their GM Joe Sakic might not be done shopping as the playoffs approach.
