Avalanche Trade Mikko Rantanen to Hurricanes, Acquire Necas, Drury

The Colorado Avalanche made a significant trade by sending star winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a three-way deal, receiving Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and draft picks in return. This move comes after unsuccessful contract negotiations between Rantanen and the Avalanche, with both parties unable to agree on a long-term deal before the March 7 trade deadline. Rantanen, who has been a key player for Colorado, was in the final season of his contract and was expected to command a salary close to or exceeding Nathan MacKinnon's $12.6 million AAV. The Avalanche are now faced with the consequences of this trade, as they lose a top offensive player but gain young talent in Necas, who is seen as a rising star in the league. NHL insiders speculate that if the Avalanche could not secure Rantanen's signature by the trade deadline, they might need to consider trading him to avoid losing him in free agency. The trade marks a pivotal moment for the Avalanche as they navigate their roster and salary cap dynamics moving forward.