Carolina Hurricanes GM makes feelings known after landing Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall in blockbuster trades

The Carolina Hurricanes made a significant move by acquiring forward Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a three-team trade on Friday night. Alongside Rantanen, veteran Taylor Hall is also joining the Hurricanes from the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, Carolina will send forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Avalanche.

The Chicago Blackhawks will take 50% of Rantanen's salary and will receive their own third-round pick in return.

Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky expressed his excitement about the trade, highlighting Rantanen as one of the top forwards in the league. He noted that the club has been looking to add elite skill to their lineup, and Rantanen is expected to fit well within their system.

“Mikko is one of the premiere power forwards in our sport. It’s no secret that we’ve wanted to add elite skill to our lineup, and this is a player who should fit our system and locker room well," Tulsky said.

Additionally, Tulsky pointed out that Hall provides another high-skill option to enhance their offensive capabilities.

"And Taylor gives us another high-skill option to bolster our attack.”

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the call to officially finalize the deal regarding the Blackhawks receiving their own third-round puck has not yet been finalized.

Carolina Hurricanes bolster their roster as they aim for their seventh consecutive playoff appearance

With Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall on board, the Carolina Hurricanes bolstered their roster as they push for their seventh consecutive playoff appearance.

Rantanen was drafted No. 10 overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL draft. The 28-year-old had been with the club for the past ten seasons.

During that stint, Rantanen racked up 681 points through 287 goals and 394 assists in 619 games. He also led the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup victory in 2022. This season, Rantanen led the Avs with 25 goals.

As for Taylor Hall, the Hurricanes will be his seventh team, having previously played for the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Arizona Coyotes (now defunct), and the Blackhawks.

The 2017-28 Hart Trophy winner has accumulated 721 points through 275 goals and 446 assists during his 15-year career. This season, the 33-year-old has picked up 24 points through nine goals and 15 assists in 46 games.

The Carolina Hurricanes sit second in the Metro Division with a 30-16-3 record and 63 points. They face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Saturday, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.