Colorado Avalanche
Flynn’s Daily: Rantanen Still in Shock; Ottawa Ups Defensive Game; Cats End Road Trip with Loss

It’s been more than 48 hours and two games since the blockbuster trade that shipped Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes and brought Martin Necas and Jack Drury to Colorado. We heard from Avs players but what has Rantanen said about it?
What the 28-year-old Finn said after his first game with the Canes and what was reported by Finnish media about the deal. Plus, what the Ottawa Senators have focused on to improve their game and more in this edition of Flynn’s Daily.
READ MORE: 10 Observations: New Avs Contribute in Victory
Colorado Hockey Now
Rantanen was asked about the trade after the Hurricanes fell 3-2 in overtime to the New York Islanders Saturday night.
“Obviously finding out last night, not a lot of sleep. A lot of emotion going through because it was 10 years in Colorado so it was a long time.
“It happened too quick and today was a game so had to get ready for the game. Maybe when we have couple days off. I really want to just think about the future now, it’s behind us. It’s a raw business, the NHL, and sometimes it goes like this. I think it’s going to hit a little bit, it hasn’t maybe hit yet,” Rantanen said.
"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."
Mikko Rantanen speaks to the media about being traded to Carolina following his debut with the Hurricanes. pic.twitter.com/y0DiX8tDz6
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 26, 2025
The Moose, as he was fondly known to Avs Faithful and all hockey fans, made some impactful comments to the Finnish media about the transaction.
“Discussions about an extension with the club were open. I was ready to take a discount based on my own market value. We discussed the contract recently, too,” Rantanen revealed to the Ilta Sanomat (translated in Google Chrome).
The 6-foot-4 elite forward posted a farewell on his Instagram page that will make anyone who ever interacted with him, cheered for him or doesn’t even know who he is tear up.
In part, it says, “To my Colorado Avalanche teammates, the incredible fans in Denver and the entire organization, words cannot fully express how much these past 10 years have meant to me. From the moment I was drafted as a young player from my native Finland, this city embraced me and helped shape me both as an athlete and as a person. Winning the Stanley Cup here was a dream come true, and sharing that moment with all of you is something I will cherish forever.”
READ MORE: What the Avs’ head coach said about his departure โ โItโs Tough to See Mikko Goโ: Jared Bednar on Rantanen Trade
READ MORE: How Nathan MacKinnon responded to the change โย MacKinnon Saddened by Rantanen Trade: โI Never Thought in a Million Years He Would Leaveโ
Around the NHL
Ottawa Hockey Now: The Senators prevailed 3-1 over the Utah Hockey Club and it may have to do with their latest improvement.
Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers went 2-2-0 on their road trip and will head back to the Sunshine State after a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: How GM Kyle Dubas has changed the Penguins by the numbers and how that will affect the team moving forward.