Stanley Cup winning ex-Avs D-man expresses shock in 3-word reaction to Mikko Rantanen's trade to Hurricanes

Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson expressed shock in a three-word reaction to the news that star winger Mikko Rantanen had been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022 and is now playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

On Instagram, the Colorado Avalanche posted a farewell message to Mikko Rantanen:

"A champion, a leader, and forever the Moose. Thank you for a decade of memories in Burgundy and Blue."

In response to the farewell message, Johnson simply wrote:

"What the hell," in response to the trade.

The trade saw Rantanen move from Colorado to the Carolina Hurricanes and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Avalanche received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick in return.

The Chicago Blackhawks got back their own 2025 third-round pick from Carolina and retained 50% of Rantanen's salary.

NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman "shocked" on blockbuster trade involving Mikko Rantanen

Speaking on NHL Network, NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman expressed his surprise at how the deal unfolded.

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

Friedman said that the Carolina Hurricanes had been in talks with both the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche about acquiring a top player like J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson or Rantanen. They had also shown interest in the Chicago Blackhawks’ Taylor Hall.

But the Hurricanes decided to pursue the Rantanen option, acquiring Rantanen from the Avalanche in a three-team trade.

“You know, Mikko Rantanen, I think last summer, there was lot of us thought that he was gonna stay in Colorado, he was gonna be long time member of the Avalanche.”

Friedman pointed out that Rantanen’s contract demands increased after Leon Draisaitl signed a 14 million extension.

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

Crucially, there is no extension as part of this trade, meaning the Hurricanes have until the March 7 trade deadline to try and convince Rantanen to sign a new deal.

Friedman believes Rantanen's good friend Sebastian Aho in Carolina will likely help lobby for an extension. Rantanen led Colorado with 25 goals and 64 points in 49 games.