The Colorado Avalanche has traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, according to multiple reports.
This would immediately be one of the most stunning transactions in franchise history. Martin Necas is coming to Colorado as part of the deal, which is a three-way trade involving the Chicago Blackhawks, according to reports. Taylor Hall was a late healthy scratch for the Blackhawks and is also reportedly going to Carolina.
Necas, who turns 27 next month, is having a breakout season for the Hurricanes. A 6-foot-3 wing, Necas has 16 goals and 55 points in 49 games. He is in the first season of a two-year, $13 million contract.
Rantanen is in the final year of his contract and can be an unrestricted free agent in July. He leads the Avs with 25 goals and has 64 points, which was sixth in the NHL entering Friday night’s games.
A first-round pick in 2015, Rantanen has been part of the core for the Avs for years and is one of the best wings in the league. He set a career high with 55 goals and 105 points two seasons ago and has had back-to-back 100-point seasons.
Rantanen won the Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2022, and has been part of arguably the best “Big Three” in the sport for the past four seasons.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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