Carolina Hurricanes Acquire Mikko Rantanen
The NHL world was shocked on Friday night as a blockbuster trade materialized sending All-Star Mikko Rantanen and forward Taylor Hall to Carolina in a 3 team trade.
Mikko Rantanen is one of the most prolific power-forwards in the NHL and was a key piece in the the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup Championship. This deal was so unexpected since many would view Rantanen as an untouchable asset on the Avalanche roster. In his 10 years with Colorado, Mikko played 623 games compiling 683 points, a +92 plus/minus, 10 hat-tricks, and a Stanley Cup. Mikko is still putting up prime numbers in his 10th NHL season ranking 6th in the NHL in points (64), 7th in goals (25), and has already scored 26 goals this season marking his 5th consecutive season with 20 or more goals. Although his stats are impressive, Mikko’s presence on the ice is his biggest factor for success being a 6’4 215lbs. power-forward with a wicked shot.
The Hurricanes have also acquired Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks adding even more depth to their roster. The Canes have been Stanley Cup contenders for the past 3 years, and are now going all in to make a serious run this year. Taylor Hall, a veteran, was brought in to the Blackhawks roster 2 years ago to help develop and provide support for prodigy Connor Bedard. Hall currently has 25 points this season and will be a valuable piece in the Canes’ depth chart. In order to win the the Stanley Cup, you need 4 complete lines of solid forwards, a solid defensive core, and a strong goalie, which is exactly what the Canes are trying to achieve.
Full details of the trade can be found below.
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired forwards Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall.
Colorado received forwards Jack Drury and Martin Necas, along with a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from Carolina.
Chicago acquired a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft from Carolina. The Blackhawks will also retain 50 percent of Rantanen's $9.25 million salary.
