"I was shocked as it unfolded": Elliotte Friedman makes feelings known about Hurricanes landing Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall in blockbuster trades

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was shocked by the blockbuster trades that landed superstars Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall with the Carolina Hurricanes. In a massive three-team deal, the Hurricanes acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche and Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The deal also saw the Avalanche obtain Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick from Carolina. The Blackhawks got their own 2025 third-round pick back from Carolina and will retain 50% of Rantanen’s salary.

"I was shocked it unfolded, I didn't see it coming quite like this," Friedman said on NHL Network.

He explained how the Hurricanes had been in talks with both Vancouver and Colorado about acquiring a top player like J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson or Rantanen. Separately, they had interest in Hall from Chicago. Ultimately Carolina decided to pursue the Rantanen option.

Friedman pointed out that many thought Mikko Rantanen would remain with the Avalanche long-term, but his contract ask increased after Leon Draisaitl signed a $14M contract extension. With Nathan MacKinnon’s high $12.6 million cap and the need to extend Cale Makar, it made the Avalanche hard to match Rantanen's ask.

“I just think the Avalanche didn’t want to go where Rantanen was going to cost them and they made the decision." Friedman said.

"And I think one of the key factors here is that there's not extension as part of this trade for Rantanen and Hurricanes. But the Hurricanes now have untill March 7 trade deadline to see if they can convince Rantanen to sign.”

Mikko Rantanen's good friend Sebastian Aho in Carolina will likely help lobby for an extension. Mikko Rantanen has been excellent this season, leading Colorado with 25 goals and 64 points in 49 games. Hall has 9 goals and 24 points in 46 games.

Elliotte Friedman weighs in on Avalanche's plans after Mikko Rantanen trade

Elliotte Friedman believes the Avalanche are far from finished making moves. He pointed out that the trade has freed up some salary cap space for Colorado, giving them flexibility to continue addressing areas of need.

“I think for Colorado they aren't done yet. They have a little bit of a room, they have a little bit of flexibility, and I think they will continue to look, especially forwards and centers that they can add to their roster.

Specifically, Friedman suggested the Avalanche could target players like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders to bolster their roster. He does not expect the Avalanche to be done at all, indicating more transactions may be on the horizon as they look to reload for a Stanley Cup push.