NHL Trade: Mikko Rantanen Joins Hurricanes in Three-Way Deal

Mikko Rantanen joins the Carolina Hurricanes after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster NHL trade.

A massive trade has shaken the National Hockey League (NHL), as left winger Mikko Rantanen has left the Colorado Avalanche to join the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a three-way deal, according to reports by Frank Seravalli. This move comes as a surprise, given Rantanen's long-standing association with the Avalanche, dating back to 2016.

Rantanen, a Finnish international, has had an impressive season so far, with 25 goals and 39 assists in 49 games. Throughout his time with the Avalanche, the 26-year-old has notched 262 goals and 355 assists in 570 games. Rantanen's departure from Colorado was imminent, as he was in the final year of his contract and the two parties were unable to agree on an extension.

MIKKO RANTANEN IS A CAROLINA HURRICANE!!! pic.twitter.com/sHxgFwstOY

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) January 25, 2025

As part of the three-way trade, the Avalanche will receive Martin Necas and Jack Drury from the Hurricanes. Necas has 55 points from 49 games this season, while Drury has contributed nine points from 25 games. The Avalanche will also receive a second and a fourth-round draft pick. Additionally, Taylor Hall will leave the Chicago Blackhawks to join Rantanen in Carolina, bringing 24 points from 46 games this season to the Hurricanes.

The Blackhawks will receive a third-round draft pick as part of the trade. The Hurricanes, who are having an excellent season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-16-3, will likely benefit from Rantanen's addition. In contrast, the Avalanche, who are sixth in the Western Conference, and the Blackhawks, who are having a poor season, will need to adapt to the changes brought about by this trade.

⚠️ WE'VE GOT A BLOCKBUSTER ⚠️

Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall are heading to the @Canes in exchange for Martin Necas and more! pic.twitter.com/hopVKxtvH1

— NHL (@NHL) January 25, 2025

Rantanen is one of Colorado's most significant players, sitting eighth in the franchise's all-time points tally. He also holds the record for the most goals in a season, with 55 goals in the 2022-23 season. As a member of the Avalanche's Stanley Cup-winning team in 2022, Rantanen's departure marks the end of an era in Colorado.