Colorado Avalanche Trade Star Mikko Rantanen, per Source
Friday evening decided to bring about a whole bunch of trade frenzy as Mikko Rantanen found himself headed from Colorado to Carolina in a blockbuster.
In what could only be considered a groundbreaking trade, and one that will shift the balance of the NHL landscape, the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks made a wild deal.
The Hurricanes ended up pulling off the coup of all coups as they not only acquired the superstar Rantanen, but the veteran and former first overall pick Taylor Hall, who was speculated to be traded only minutes prior.
It looks like Carolina's Martin Necas is headed the other way. No word yet on the other pieces involved in the deal.
The full trade breaks down as such, credit to NHL Analysts Kevin Weekes and Frank Seravalli for the information.
Chicago is also retaining 50% of Rantanen's salary as well according to The Athletic's Scott Powers.
Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall Make Carolina A Powerhouse
Though the Hurricanes lost out on Necas, what they gained in Rantanen (although he's a UFA at season's end) is something spectacular.
Forming a powerhouse duo with Nathan MacKinnon, Rantanen put up incredible numbers over the last three seasons and continued to do so again this season.
He has 25 goals and 39 assists in 49 games for the Avalanche but also averaged 44 goals and 56 assists over his past three campaigns and not only offers incredible offense, but defense as well.
Carolina also received Taylor Hall from the Blackhawks as the team has instantly made themselves potential Stanley Cup contenders. The veteran Hall has struggled with the Blackhawks but is a solid contributor and will look to form a partnership with fellow veteran Jordan Staal and Seth Jarvis.
Chicago is receiving a third-round pick in the deal for Hall as reported by Pierre LeBrun.
No details yet on the full extent of the trade, however as of now it's Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes, a third-round pick to Chicago, and Martin Necas to Colorado.
As of now, there is no word or confirmation that the Hurricanes are going to offer an extension to Rantanen as per Elliotte Friedman.
We will update you as more information on the trade is made available.
