
The Colorado Avalanche has made a shocking move, trading star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-way deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
In return, the Avalanche will receive forward Martin Necas, who is having a breakout season with 16 goals and 55 points in 49 games. Necas, 26, is in the first year of a two-year, $13 million …two-year, $13 million contract.
Rantanen, 27, is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent in July. He has been a core player for the Avalanche, leading the team with 25 goals and 64 points this season.
A first-round pick in 2015, Rantanen has set career highs in goals and points, and has been a key contributor to the Avalanche’s success, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
The trade sends shockwaves through the NHL, as Rantanen is one of the top wingers in the league. The Avalanche will look to rebuild and reload with the assets acquired in the deal.