Nathan MacKinnon makes feelings known about Mikko Rantannen-replacing $13,000,000 Avs forward

Colorado Avalanche’ alternate captain Nathan MacKinnon offered high praise for newcomer Martin Necas after the blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The trade also saw Colorado receive Jack Drury, along with a 2025 second-round draft pick and a 2026 third-round choice from the Hurricanes, who also got Taylor Hall from the Blackhawks. Chicago acquired a 2025 third-round draft pick and will retain 50% of Rantanen's salary.

Necas has played two games with the Avalanche, tallying two points and three shots on goal in Sunday's 5-4 win over the New York Rangers.

In the post-game interview, MacKinnon acknowledged that Necas, who has a 2-year, $13 million, contract, is a completely different player compared to Rantanen.

"He's a completely different player. Definitely an adjustment. It is weird, for sure. I've mostly played with two lefties my whole career, so it'll take some time getting used to, but I thought these two games, we played really well," MacKinnon said (0:52).

Despite the adjustment period, MacKinnon has been impressed with Necas's performances.

"He, I thought he's been awesome. I mean, he said he went to bed at like 3 a.m. after he got traded, and he's playing a one o'clock game. Pretty, pretty quick turnaround for him,” Nathan MacKinnon said.

“So, I mean, with those circumstances, he still looked unreal. I mean, the plays he made tonight with speed. He's a great passer, and he had two or three posts tonight, so he was everywhere. And it's fun. It's fun to play with him, for sure"

Clearly, MacKinnon is thrilled with the addition of Necas, a fast, skilled, forward who has 41 assists and 57 points in 51 games this season.

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Nathan MacKinnon reflects on Colorado Avalanche's 5-4 against Rangers

Nathan MacKinnon praised the team's resilience in the Avalanche's 5-4 win against the Rangers after losing three straight games. Cale Makar (two goals), Jack Dury, Artturi Lehkonen and Juuso Parssinen scored for the Avalanche, while Machkenzie Blackwood stopped 33 shots.

"It was big just with the changes to get a win," MacKinnon said. "I think we were pretty dead. That was a tough back-to-back, early mornings right away.

"They definitely took over in the second half of that game. I thought we had a great start, but was awesome and unreal game by Cale."

Next, the Avalanche face the New York Islanders on Tuesday at UBS Arena.