Mikko Rantanen remains tight lipped about receiving prior notice about blockbuster trade from Hurricanes top brass

Mikko Rantanen didn't share whether he knew about the trade to the Carolina Hurricanes in advance.

At a post-game press conference on Saturday, he shared his reaction to the sudden move.

"I think it's obviously finding out last night, not a lot of sleep, obviously, a lot of emotions going through," Rantanen said. "It was 10 years in Colorado, so it was a long time."

Rantanen added that it was difficult to leave Colorado but feels better now.

"There's obviously kind of got better, better for sure. But I think the lot of good players around here and the system is good, so it should be good," he said.

He was still processing the trade and noted that it happened too quickly.

"I don't think. ... I think it happened too quick, and today was a game, so had to get ready for the game. So maybe when we have couple days off here now, like two days now, I don't, I really want to just think about the future now," Rantanen said.

He confirmed that the trade was a shock.

"Well, I was shocked yesterday. I was surprised. But I don't really want to get into too much details, but it was a surprise for sure."

Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall made their debuts for the Hurricanes in a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Islanders.

The trade, which involved the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks, sent forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury to Colorado. Rantanen played 18:54 and had five shots on goal.

Rantanen's move to Carolina marks the end of his 10-year career with Colorado. He said that it hasn't fully hit him yet but looks forward to being a part of the new team.

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Rod Brind'Amour reflects on Mikko Rantanen's debut in Hurricanes' overtime loss to Islanders

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour commented on the team's play after Mikko Rantanen's debut in a 3-2 overtime loss. He said that the first two periods were poor, but the team played better in the third.

“Hockey is weird,” Rod Brind’Amour said (via NHL.com). “Our first two periods were terrible, and our third was actually really good.”

Brind’Amour also mentioned a high stick call and a strange goal that led to overtime.

He was proud of the team's resilience and their effort to create chances. Despite the loss, the coach was positive about the team's play and the opportunities they had in the game. Mikko Rantanen's debut followed a busy 24 hours after his trade.