The NHL witnessed a major shakeup as the Carolina Hurricanes announced a high-profile three-way trade involving the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. The Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen, the Avalanche’s star right winger, and veteran left winger Taylor Hall from the Blackhawks. This move could have a significant impact on Carolina’s quest for their first Stanley Cup under head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
The Trade Breakdown
The Hurricanes sent winger Martin Necas, their leading scorer this season, along with center Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Colorado. The Blackhawks, in turn, reacquired their previously traded 2025 third-round pick and retained half of Rantanen’s $9.25 million annual salary cap hit to facilitate the deal.
Colorado gains flexibility by securing valuable draft assets and cap space, potentially setting them up for more moves before the trade deadline.
Rantanen’s Stellar Track Record
Rantanen, 28, has been one of the NHL’s most dominant players in recent years. He is currently sixth in the league with 64 points in 49 games, including 25 goals. Since the 2021-22 season, Rantanen has amassed 365 points in 286 games, ranking fifth among NHL players in both points and goals during that span.
Despite his contributions to Colorado’s 2021-22 Stanley Cup victory, Rantanen faced stalled contract negotiations. Entering unrestricted free agency this summer, Rantanen reportedly sought a deal similar to Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million annual value contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Colorado, however, aimed to keep his salary below Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million AAV.
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Rantanen’s playoff performance also highlights his value: he boasts a career 1.25 points per game in the postseason, tying him with NHL legends Mark Messier and Mike Bossy.
Taylor Hall’s Fresh Start
Hall, 33, brings experience but is coming off an injury-plagued stint with Chicago. The former Hart Trophy winner played just 10 games last season after undergoing right knee surgery. In his 15-year career, Hall has amassed over 700 points and will now join his seventh NHL team.
While Hall’s production has declined, Carolina hopes he can provide secondary scoring depth for a team looking to improve its postseason offense.
Carolina’s Offensive Reinforcements
The Hurricanes have struggled to translate their regular-season scoring success into playoff victories. Over the past three seasons, their goal-scoring average has dropped from 3.28 in the regular season to 2.98 in the playoffs. Adding Rantanen and Hall addresses a glaring need for elite offensive talent.
“Mikko is one of the premier power forwards in our sport,” said Eric Tulsky, Carolina’s general manager. “This is a player who should fit our system and locker room well. And Taylor gives us another high-skill option to bolster our attack.”
The trade also marked a milestone for Tulsky, who took over as GM in 2024. It underscores Carolina’s commitment to pursuing a Stanley Cup, with the team now favored to win the Eastern Conference at +325, according to ESPN BET.
Impact on Colorado and Chicago
For Colorado, moving Rantanen opens up cap space and provides draft assets to reshape their roster. The Avalanche gain a versatile scorer in Martin Necas, who signed a two-year, $13 million contract this past offseason. Despite his strong start to the season, Necas’ production slowed, with only 11 points in his last 19 games.
Jack Drury, a 24-year-old center, adds depth to Colorado’s forward group. He has recorded 46 points in 153 NHL games and remains under contract through 2027.
Chicago, meanwhile, reclaims its 2025 third-round pick and absorbs part of Rantanen’s salary to facilitate the trade. The Blackhawks also sent Nils Juntorp, a Swedish prospect, to Carolina.
What’s Next?
As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, the trade positions all three teams for further moves. Carolina has reinforced its lineup for a deep playoff run, while Colorado may look to add complementary pieces with newfound cap flexibility.
For the Hurricanes, this trade signals an all-in approach as they aim to capture the Stanley Cup and solidify their standing as one of the NHL’s elite teams.