Avalanche News
Necas on Rantanen Speculation: ‘They Probably Should Have Known That He Would Sign In Carolina’
Mikko Rantanen’s future with the Carolina Hurricanes remains uncertain less than 24 hours away from the NHL trade deadline.
After speculation began to ramp up about him potentially being traded again, former Canes forward Martin Necas chimed in on what he thinks about the entire ordeal.
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Necas, along with Jack Drury and two draft picks, were sent to Colorado in the three-way deal for Rantanen almost six weeks ago. The Hurricanes have since tried to lock up the Finnish winger to a max-term contract upwards of $100 million, making him the highest-paid winger. But Rantanen’s camp has not agreed to the extension.
“Obviously, I’ve seen [the rumors]. I still talk to the guys on the other team, too. It’s a tough position for them,” Necas said ahead of Colorado’s matchup against San Jose. “They probably should have known that he would sign in Carolina if he gets there.”
Necas has 13 points in as many games since the trade but Rantanen has struggled in Rod Brind’Amours system, scoring two goals and adding four assists in 12 games. Carolina has played a lot on the road since he joined the team and had a flu bug run through the dressing as well. Their struggles could ultimately be connected to that, but the lack of an extension before Friday’s deadline has put them in a difficult position.
Especially given recent reports that a sign and trade to the right team is on the table.
It’s also being speculated that Rantanen remaining with Carolina through the trade deadline is still an option, too. Even without an extension.
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General manager Eric Tulsky has canvassed the league to see what offers are out there for the two-time 100-point producer.
“I don’t know if he’s signing or not. But there’s lots of rumors. Nobody’s gonna know until something happens,” Necas said. “I wish them, all the guys [in Carolina], the best of luck. And whatever happens, happens.”
Avalanche Head coach Jared Bednar was also asked about the possibility that Rantanen gets moved this week.
“I don’t think that’s because of Mikko’s play. He certainly didn’t get moved out of here because of his play,” Bednar said. “This is more of a business situation. … I think he’s a fit on any team in the league, including Carolina.”
For context, the Necas interview from this morning’s skate is linked below on the Colorado Hockey Now YouTube page. His response starts at 1:40. Don’t forget to subscribe!
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Yikes. That’s brutal honesty.
What a soap novel… I don’t know if Rantanen owns stock market actions in the printing sector, but one thing is certain, it sells the newspaper.
What a bad look for the Canes organization and clearly a distraction for the team since players are talking to Necas about the situation.
You are absolutely right. I think there is an element of selfishness on Rantanen’s part. He was about to take the Avalanche hostage and while he is literally holding Carolina hostage and making the organization look bad. It would be so easy to sign a contract extension without a no-movement clause and to be traded in the summer to a team that would like him and that he would like to play for. In that case, it would not overshadow Carolina. This situation is probably not very good for Rantanen’s reputation across the NHL either.
Indeed. And people still want him back here…
For me, he already has this reputation. I remember September 28, 2019 pretty clearly. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again.
I find it amusing the same people who probably think Gabe Landeskog is Mr Selfless. Think Rantanen is selfish for trying to get his worth on the open market.
Landeskog was injured while doing his job. He has absolutely nothing to reproach himself for. Landeskog could very well stay at home sitting on the couch under the pretext that it’s too painful and that he feels unable to play hockey. He would still receive his full salary for the remaining years of the contract. While Rantanen said he wanted to stay with the Avalanche but money seems to have blinded him.
At this point continuing a comeback attempt into your mid – thirties that clearly is a futile effort isn’t beyond reproach. This team gave him 3 years to try & get back on the ice. Accept it’s over, collect your money & stop bending the organization over, & allow them to move forward. Knowing they have your money to spend PERMANENTLY going forward. And don’t have to leave wiggle room financially again in case you decide you might want to try & play next season would be huge from a cap perspective. At the very least at this point relinquish… Read more »
Landeskog focuses solely on his work. It’s the responsibility of MacFarland and Bednar to find a new captain to replace Landeskog. It is MarFarland’s responsibility to manage the payroll and build the team. Landeskog has nothing to do with it. He never stopped MacFarland from spending money. Every year Landeskog was away, MacFarland used all the money available under the cap every time. MacFarland also has information that we do not have regarding Landeskog’s medical condition. MacFarland doesn’t tell us. When a player is on the long-term injured list, his salary does not count towards the team’s payroll. If after… Read more »
I don’t get it. Did I say anything to make you believe that I think Landy is a saint? But I do believe Rantanen is selfish. It is a commonly held belief that a man may be judged based upon his past actions… well, that, and maybe sentence structure.
The Canes deserve this. How do you not have a framework of an extension in place before you trade your leading scorer for a pending UFA?
I blame the dopey GM Tulsky. This is what happens when you hire a guy with no executive experience in hockey. Who is a scientist by trade..I wish I were kidding.
This is what happens when you start to think analytics are more important than having base hockey knowledge & instincts. You hire a guy like Eric Tulsky.
Totally agree!
Seems more a stupid move on Tulsky’s part vs bad luck.
14M per season for 7-8 years, it’s likely to hurt for a very long time…
Prediction: Rantanen will become Huberdeau 2.0 and his next contract will be bought out.
It must be very awkward for Rantanen to be in the room with the guys. It must be disappointing for the players to accept losing a player and friend of Necas’ caliber to a player who is not interested in staying with the team. The Hurricanes sacrificed a lot to get Rantanen. What a waste.
Yes, but rumor has it that Necas didn’t want to sign an extension in Carolina either?
Correct. And Carolina also wasn’t that enamored with him or his consistency. But after 12 games here. Everyone has him rated higher than Mikko as a player & knocking on the doors of the hockey hall of fame. People lack perspective.
Why do you have to be so condescending and combative. Necas so far is a ppg player. But more than that he’s been a great fit and the PP has been undeniably much better since the move. Nate has mentioned Necas as a large reason why in multiple interviews. Doesn’t mean he is better than Mikko. I think most Avs fans are happy that “so far” we have gotten a very productive player since we dealt an elite scorer…and one that will be $7m cheaper next season. Marty’s success doesn’t diminish Mikko’s worth, but if you truly are a fan… Read more »
I am happy thus far Necas has produced. I just can’t stand the hyperbolic statements people make. Let things breath, go through a postseason with the guy. Before claiming the Avs “won” the trade, Necas is the better player or that all of Rantanen’s success was because of Nate & Cale. I’m not accusing you of this specifically. Those are just a few of the things I’ve seen posted on here since the trade. I’m sorry those are dumb novice takes. I just last night (don’t recall whom) in the comments below the article regarding Rantanen potentially getting dealt again.… Read more »
Boston – Carolina, a good game in sight. If Carlo stops Rantanen tonight, he could prove to be a good catch for the Avalanche.
So… who’s the dumber GM? Tulsky or MacFarland?
If Tulsky is truly the smart one, he keeps Rantanen as an expensive rental, makes a push for the Cup, and, who knows, if they actually win, Mikko might decide to stick around because of it. Otherwise, he takes his un-used cap and buys the right piece in free agency. Let’s face it, what’s available now isn’t all that appealing. The market this summer might be more favorable.
I don’t think there will be players of Necas’ caliber available at 6.5M. On the free agent market, there are few bargains. Usually, the opposite is the case and GMs tend to overpay by offering too many years. All teams want to snatch up the best players and there is no guarantee of getting the coveted players. I support MacFarland’s position 100%. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
My point is that MacFarland is the smarter GM. But Necas may only be getting paid $6.5m now, that won’t be true when his contract is up. He is underpaid (my opinion) at the moment, but signed an appropriate deal for his production level in the 23-24 season.
Rantanen’s last game in a Hurricanes uniform tonight? Let’s hope he finishes strong.
The 4 Nations tournament just showed Rantanen’s worth. He was pretty invisible and should be happy with the contracts that are being thrown his way.
Rants is both overrated and underrated. He isn’t a dynamic play-driver but he can make things happen. He has size but isn’t a physical force. He’s a finisher but also a good playmaker. He has to play with good players but also makes players around him better. He probably won’t be a 100 point player away from MacKinnon but can still be an elite player. A team like the Sharks would love to have him to put with Celebrini and might overpay to make it happen.
Necas was not going to sign long term with Carolina. He always whined about wanting to get more PP time in past years without eaning it. He was always lax on defense and prone to turnover spells during critical moments by straying from Rod’s game plan. Carolina will not be terribly hurt by Rantenen not signing, as they still have lots of great young talent coming next year. They could address Rantenen”s loss in free agency. The great things about Rod’s system is it emphasizes a strong team game and he finds guys who excel in his system, unlike Necas… Read more »
Drury is the big loss. Teams need guys like Drury who battle and do the dirty work. And the Canes needed him to win those face offs since puck possession is how they succeed.
Necas and Drury were traded for nothing. Tulsky should be fired over this.