Mikko Rantanen ‘excited’ to be part of Hurricanes following SHOCKING trade away from Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen was traded away by the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a blockbuster 3-team trade.

Mikko Rantanen ‘excited’ to be part of Hurricanes following SHOCKING trade away from Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen (Image via X)

In a blockbuster 3-way trade on Friday, the Colorado Avalanche traded away one of their superstars Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. The forward star would later break his silence regarding this and did admit it was hard to leave the organization. He though is ready to move forward from this chapter.

Rantanen joined the NHL in 2015 after he was picked up from the entry draft by the Avs. Over the next 10 years, he went on to establish himself as one of the top stars of the team and won the Stanley Cup with them in 2022.

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The Finnish international was in the final year of this deal. Instead of losing him for free, the Avs went ahead and traded him.

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In the 3-way trade, the Avs received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick. The Hurricanes got Rantanen and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks in return. Whereas the Hawks, they retained 50 percent of Rantenen’s salary and got a 2025 third-round pick.

Speaking regarding his move, the forward star claimed he did not get any sleep on Thursday night.

Finding out last night, not a lot of sleep. Obviously, a lot of emotions going through [my head]. It was 10 years in Colorado, you know?… It’s going to get better for sure… It’s a very good team; a lot of good players and the setup here is really good, so I’m excited to be a part of it for sure.

Mikko Rantanen said as per NHL.com

Rantanen has been one of the top stars of the league in recent seasons. He has over 90 points in each of his last three seasons. This year, has 64 points so far (25 goals, 39 assists) in 50 games. The 28-year-old will now likely play an important part in the team’s push for a playoff spot.

Nathan MacKinnon left heartbroken to see Mikko Rantanen go away from Avalanche

The sudden trade of Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes left a huge number of supporters upset. One of them who was sad was his now former teammate Nathan MacKinnon, who was seemingly left heartbroken by this development.

Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon
Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon (Image via X)

Along with Cale Maker, MacKinnon and Rantanen had formed a formidable trio in front of the net. The Canadian international admitted that he called his friend after the trade and spoke along with Makar.

It’s just unfortunate obviously losing a great friend, great teammate. Yeah, I’m going to miss him. It’s going to get better for sure… I never thought in a million years he would leave.

Nathan MacKinnon told the reporters

MacKinnon currently leads the NHL in points tally with 75. His 19 goals and 56 assists keep him one point ahead of Leon Draisaitl, who has 35 goals and 39 assists for the Edmonton Oilers this season.

The big question now is, how will the Avs play without one of their star players? At the moment, they are fourth in the division standings with a 28-20-2 record, two points behind third-place Minnesota Wild.