Avalanche Trade Rantanen to Hurricanes in Three-Team Deal

The Colorado Avalanche have traded star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a complex three-team deal that also involves the Chicago Blackhawks. As part of the trade, the Avalanche will receive forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, along with a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. The Blackhawks will retain 50% of Rantanen's salary and are also sending Taylor Hall to Carolina. Rantanen, who is in the final year of his contract and ranks sixth in the NHL this season with 64 points, was reportedly far apart from the Avalanche on extension talks. Necas, having a breakout season with 55 points, brings a favorable contract to Colorado, while Drury adds depth to their roster. The trade reflects the Avalanche's strategy to manage salary cap constraints while acquiring promising talent for the future.