The NHL has witnessed its first major trade of the season, with Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall being sent to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team blockbuster. The deal shakes up the league’s dynamics, setting the tone for what’s to come before the trade deadline.
Three-Team Blockbuster Shakes Up NHL
The first major trade of the season has taken place, with Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall being sent to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team blockbuster.
Avalanche Acquire Martin Necas
As part of the deal, the Colorado Avalanche will receive forward Martin Necas from the Blackhawks. Necas has been a 100-point contributor for the last two seasons, with 16 goals and 55 points already this season.
The trade also involves the Chicago Blackhawks, who will retain 50 percent of Rantanen’s salary. The Hurricanes will send a third-round pick to the Blackhawks as part of the deal.
Rantanen and Hall Join Hurricanes
Mikko Rantanen, 28, has collected 25 goals and 64 points through 49 games this season, putting him on track to surpass 40 goals for a third consecutive season. He helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2021-22 and hold the Western Conference’s first wild-card spot this year.
Taylor Hall, the former No. 1 pick in 2010, won the Hart Trophy in 2017-18 and has flashed his potential at times with the Blackhawks this season. He will join Rantanen on the Hurricanes, who are currently the No. 2 team in the Metropolitan Division.
Necas Brings Depth to Avalanche
Even though the Avalanche parted with Rantanen, they acquired another star forward in Necas. Necas has one more year on his deal with a $6.5 million average annual value before becoming an unrestricted free agent like Rantanen and Hall.
The trade deadline is still over a month away, but this move sets the tone for what’s to come in the NHL.
