The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, despite the forward’s willingness to sign below market value with his former team.
“I was ready to take a significant discount from my market value,” Rantanen told The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. “We had some chats a couple days before and then they traded me. That’s what happened. That’s why I didn’t expect it.”
“I didn’t know we were in a rush. That’s what I felt. That’s my honest opinion. It’s business, and I understand. They’re trying to think what’s best for them.”
The Avalanche received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and a second-round pick in return for Rantanen.
Contract negotiations between Rantanen and the Avalanche stalled earlier this month. Reports in November indicated the 28-year-old forward’s market value was approximately $14 million per season, matching Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl’s league-leading salary.
Colorado currently pays NHL MVP Nathan MacKinnon $12.6 million annually. Defenseman Cale Makar becomes eligible for a contract extension in summer 2026.
Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland said the “timing was right” given the trade package offered by Carolina.
Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky revealed initial trade discussions began last summer before intensifying over the past six to eight weeks.
Rantanen’s current contract, paying him $9.25 million annually, expires July 1 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He can sign an extension with Carolina at any time.
