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Flynn’s Take: Aftermath of Mikko Rantanen Trade, What Happens Now?

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Three days after the blockbuster trade of Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Jack Drury and Martin Necas — it still hasn’t sunk in for fans and/or media.



As a journalist, I have to handle it with a neutral perspective and look at the situation from all viewpoints. But on a personal level, it’s hitting hard for me as Rantanen was one of my favorite players to deal with, for many reasons.

So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The transaction was a shock to Rantanen — and Avs players. Here’s how it went down.

On October 11, 2024, Mikko Rantanen was asked where he and his agent were with contract negotiations. He is in the last year of his six-year deal and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025, if he does not sign another contract.

“It’s still going like it was before. Like I said before, it’s done when it’s done. Not much has changed, there’s still talks for sure. Yeah, we’ll see what happens with that. I just try to focus on the ice,” Rantanen said.

It’s been a subject of discussion as the season has progressed but did not become a more popular topic until a few weeks ago. Any questions during the season about his contract, he gave the same answer that both sides were still negotiating.

As the trade deadline approaches, there has been more traffic in the press box with scouts and GMs filling seats at home games. But I didn’t think it would involve trading Rantanen. No one did.

Fast forward to a few days ago — with no warning or report of contract negotiation issues, Rantanen was traded to the Canes. It came as a surprise to him, his now-former teammates and even his now-former coach.

Notebook: Did Mikko Rantanen Force Chris MacFarland’s Hand?

So is there a bad guy here? Is it Avs management? Is it Rantanen’s agent? Fans are outraged and want to point a finger and blame someone for this happening. The bottom line is it’s business, and Rantanen understands that.

“It’s a raw business, the NHL, and sometimes it goes like this,” the 28-year-old forward said after his first game with Carolina.

Just like any other business, an employee leaves a company for another that will pay them more money for their work. Or a company will fire an employee to hire another or others to do the same job for less money. It happens all the time.

Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland said Rantanen “earned the right to be a free agent” and referenced the NHL salary cap in the team’s decision to trade the elite forward.

“It’s definitely a tough part of the business, but that’s the job. So you got to feel like what you’re doing is best for the logo, best for the team, short and long-term, and you try and marry those things together and you make the best decision you can,” MacFarland said.

Rantanen was drafted by the Avalanche 10th overall in 2015 and has spent his career in burgundy and blue, until now. His longtime linemate and good friend Nathan MacKinnon was “sad” when the deal was made and it impacted the entire team.

At the end of the day, head coach Jared Bednar understands it’s business and he still has 31 more games to get his team into a decent playoff position without Rantanen and two new forwards.

“Tough day, really tough day. You lose a good friend, good teammate, great player. It’s hard but I understand the business side of things, and it’s a two-way street and they weren’t able to get a deal done. And then teams are calling … you got to get what you can, and I think we got some good players that can come in and help us, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” Bednar said.

Since the trade, Rantanen has spoken with several media outlets, including one from his native country.

“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).

More articles on the deal are emerging as more media have discussed the situation with Rantanen.

On the flip side, Necas and Drury were productive in their second game with the Avs, which shows promise for the future of the team. It doesn’t make it sting any less but what’s done is done and placing blame or being mad about it isn’t going to solve anything.

Rantanen posted a farewell on Instagram, which I can attest to, was sincere and from his heart. This is truly a difficult time for him as he’s never been with another team and this is a huge change for him. He truly is one of the most polite, honest, genuine players I’ve had the fortune to spend nearly two full seasons with. But even before I started writing on the team, he’s been a fan favorite, even for me. I wish him all the best and hope our paths cross in the future — his smile and laugh will always light up a room.

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