This has come as a massive surprise, as Rantanen has been with the Avalanche throughout his time in the NHL, dating back to 2016. So far this season, the Finnish international has 25 goals and 39 assists in 49 games. Throughout his time in Coloardo, the 28-year-old notched up 262 goals and 355 assist in 570 games.
Rantanen was in the last season of his contract with the Avalanche, as both parties were unable to come to an agreement about an extension. As a result, the Avs are taking part in a three-way trade to get rid of their long-time winger.
As part of the trade, Colorado will receive Martin Necas and Jack Drury, both coming from Carolina. The former has 55 points from 49 games this season, while the latter contributed nine points from 25 games. The Avalanche will also receive a second and a fourth round draft pick.
Also part of the deal is Taylor Hall, who departs the Chicago Blackhawks and joins Rantanen in Carolina. This year, he has notched 24 points from 46 games. On top of this, the Blackhawks will get a third-round draft pick as part of the trade.
The Hurricanes are having an excellent season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference at the time of writing, with a record of 30-16-3. The Avalanche are sixth in the Western Conference, eight points clear of the Vancouver Canucks. As for the Blackhawks, they are having a poor season, sitting second bottom in the West.
Rantanen is one of Colorado's most signifcant players, sitting eighth in the franchise's all-time points tally. He also has their record for the most goals in a season, when he racked up 55 in the 2022/23 season. The Finn was part of the Avalanche side who won their only Stanley Cup in 2022.