NHL Rumor: Mikko Rantanen was willing to take 'significant cut' on market value ahead of being traded to Carolina Hurricanes

By Jackson Weber

Modified Jan 27, 2025 18:19 GMT

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Mikko Rantanen's Colorado Avalanche tenure ended after the superstar winger was traded to Carolina in a three-way deal that saw Martin Necas and Jack Drury head to Colorado.

In his 10th season with the Avalanche, the 28-year-old was a pending UFA in the final season of a six-year, $55,500,000 contract. While Rantanen and the Avalanche didn't appear to be close on an extension, most assumed they would find common ground to keep the band together.

However, Colorado felt they couldn't pay Rantanen the hefty contract he was asking for, which is why they decided to move on.

Rantanen spoke with a Finnish newspaper and shared some interesting comments on his breakup with the Avalanche. BR Open Ice shared what he had to say on X (formerly Twitter).

"I dont' want to talk exact numbers, but I was willing to take a significant cut below my market value," Rantanen said.

It's surprising to hear, making one wonder whether there was some miscommunication between the two parties that potentially led to the parting of ways.

Mikko Rantanen was shocked to be traded

Mikko Rantanen was just as shocked as the rest of the hockey world when news of the blockbuster trade on Friday. Speaking for the first time following the move, he mentioned how surprised he was about how it all went down.

"I was shocked yesterday. I was surprised. I don't really want to get into too many details, but it was a surprise for sure," Rantanen said.

Rantanen was held pointless in his Hurricanes debut in a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday.

It's safe to expect him to be more productive in the games to come now that he's had more time to process the situation.

Mikko Rantanen racked up 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in the 49 games played with the Avalanche to begin the season. He immediately becomes Carolina's leading point scorer by a wide margin.

Rantanen and the Hurricanes are back in action on Tuesday to face the Rangers in New York. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at Madison Square Garden.