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Rantanen Deal Signals Change: Why MacFarland Should Be Rewarded With Patience (+)

It felt for years like the Valeri Nichushkin saga would define Chris MacFarland’s era as Avalanche general manager.
But last Friday’s blockbuster trade changed everything. It’s been more than 30 years since a deal of this magnitude was made this late into an NHL season. And now the Mikko Rantanen trade will forever be linked to the Avs GM — whether the team has success or not.
It’s unfair to judge the trade in a vacuum. More moves are coming and they should be connected to this deal. Given his track record pre-2022 with finding talent on the market with cap flexibility, MacFarland has earned trust and patience.
He should be offered as much. Even if the microscope is on him as he executes his plan.
Here’s why.