NHL insider teases blockbuster move that could dwarf Mikko Rantanen trade

On Friday, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared on X that something bigger was on the table during Mikko Rantanen's trade to the Carolina Hurricanes. Rantanen and Taylor Hall were traded to the Hurricanes in a big three-team deal. Colorado Avalanche received forwards Jack Drury, Martin Necas, and draft picks. Chicago retained 50% of Rantanen’s salary and got a 2025 third-round pick.

“And… not sure how to process yet, but impeccable source said that this Rantanen deal was not the biggest thing on the table in the last 48 hours." Seravalli wrote on X.

Rantanen, who helped Colorado win the 2022 Stanley Cup, has 681 points in 619 career games. Meanwhile, Hall, who has struggled with injuries recently, has 24 points this season.

Carolina aims to strengthen its team for a potential Stanley Cup run. With a record of 30-16-3, the Panthers are placed No. 2 in the Metropolitan Division standings with 71 points, eight points behind the Washington Capitals at the top.

On the other hand, Colorado is looking to improve its depth and salary cap situation. They already have stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar signed on big contracts.

Seravalli’s tweet surprised the hockey fans, as Rantanen's trade was a rare sight. He was having a strong 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, scoring 25 goals and 39 assists, for 64 points. Additionally, his rating stood at +12, showing his two-way skills.

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Mikko Rantanen was "upset" after getting traded by Colorado Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes was shocking to many in the League, due to his impactful performance this season. Even, Rantanen was surprised and upset by the trade. He expected contract talks with Colorado to continue. Andy Strickland reported that the Avalanche had shown little interest in re-signing him in recent months, which eventually led to this trade.

"Mikko Rantanen was completely caught off guard by the trade and was very upset. Colorado showed very little to no interest in attempting to re-sign him over the last several months. This was a panic move by Colorado," Strickland tweeted.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Avalanche decided not to meet Rantanen's salary demands. As a result, they traded him rather than risk losing him for nothing.

"I just think the Avalanche didn't want to go where Rantanen was going to cost them and they made the decision," Friedman said during the NHL Network broadcast.

Mikko Rantanen now faces contract negotiations with the Hurricanes. If no agreement is reached by the March 7 trade deadline, he could be traded again.