Carolina Hurricanes’ Bold Move: Acquiring Mikko Rantanen
In a move that has left the NHL world buzzing, Mikko Rantanen has joined the Carolina Hurricanes, and the shockwaves are still being felt. The trade, which took place nearly a week ago, was a blockbuster three-way deal that also brought Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes from the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, the Colorado Avalanche received winger Martin Necas, center Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-rounder from Carolina.
Rantanen, who was tied for sixth in the NHL in scoring with 65 points entering Wednesday night, has been a consistent offensive force. Since the 2021-22 season, the 28-year-old winger has amassed 365 points in 286 games, including back-to-back 100-point seasons. Such a high-caliber player being traded mid-season is a rarity in the NHL, especially for a team like Colorado, which has its sights set on the Stanley Cup. However, Rantanen’s contract demands as a pending unrestricted free agent created an impasse with the Avalanche, leading to this unexpected trade.
Rantanen expressed his surprise at the trade, stating, “I thought it was going to be an extension for sure. I can’t lie about that. It was surprising because there was still some time to the deadline. I totally understand they didn’t want to lose me for free. But it surprised me for sure. I didn’t expect it at all.”
Is this the right gamble for Carolina?
The Hurricanes were in New York when the trade news broke, and the players were at dinner when they learned about Hall and then Rantanen joining their team. Center Jesperi Kotkaniemi shared that the Finnish fans were thrilled to see Rantanen and Sebastian Aho on the same team.
However, social media added a twist when it was erroneously reported that Kotkaniemi would be part of the trade to the Avalanche. This led to a flurry of messages and a tense 15 minutes for Kotkaniemi, who was never part of the deal.
Eric Tulsky, in his first season as Hurricanes general manager, has been active in the trade market. The Hurricanes were also in talks with the Vancouver Canucks about forwards Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Ultimately, the Hurricanes decided to pursue Rantanen, a decision that has been praised for its boldness.
One agent commented, “Obviously, Carolina has been coveting a superstar, and this is the way to get one.” NHL executives were impressed with Carolina’s risk-taking, with one general manager stating, “Good for them. Risk and reward.”
While the Hurricanes have made the playoffs for six straight seasons, they have struggled to advance past the conference finals. Rantanen’s playoff success, with 28 goals and 83 points in 63 games since 2019-20, could be the key to changing that narrative.
Did Colorado make the right call?
Colorado’s decision to trade Rantanen was not taken lightly. The Avalanche and GM Chris MacFarland had been discussing the possibility since last summer. Rantanen was seeking a contract similar to the eight-year extension signed by Leon Draisaitl with the Edmonton Oilers, which carries an average annual value of $14 million.
MacFarland faced a tough decision: keep three star players with high salaries or break up the core to maintain depth. The Avalanche chose the latter, acknowledging the need for championship depth. “It’s clear we are not deep enough. I think that you’ve got to be deep to go four rounds, and hopefully this is going to help that,” MacFarland said.
While some agents were skeptical of the negotiation, others believed the Avalanche made the right move given their salary structure. The trade allows Colorado to potentially make more moves before the March 7 deadline, with players like the Islanders’ Brock Nelson being considered.
What is Chicago doing?
The Blackhawks’ involvement in the trade left many puzzled. They retained half of Rantanen’s salary and cap hit while trading Hall to the Hurricanes, receiving only a third-round pick in return. However, insiders suggest there may have been some method to Chicago’s perceived madness.
One general manager noted that from a base salary perspective, the Blackhawks are paying slightly more for the rest of Rantanen’s contract than they would have if Hall finished the season with them. This move also frees up a salary retention spot for future trades.
Will Carolina sign Rantanen?
The Hurricanes have the unique opportunity to offer Rantanen an eight-year contract, something no other team can do. While Rantanen has yet to think about an extension, the Hurricanes are optimistic about their chances. With significant cap space available, Carolina is in a favorable position to retain Rantanen.
As one agent concluded, “I think they will ultimately sign him, unless he absolutely hates it there.”
What if Rantanen goes to market?
If Rantanen tests the market, he could command a contract similar to Draisaitl’s. Teams like the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks could be potential suitors, given their financial capabilities and desire to build competitive rosters.
Ultimately, the Hurricanes have some advantages in keeping Rantanen, but they won’t be alone if he decides to explore free agency.
Originally Written by: Greg Wyshynski
