The Carolina Hurricanes are making bold moves for the second consecutive year in an effort to strengthen their playoff-contending roster. On Friday evening, the Hurricanes executed a three-team trade, bringing in forwards Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, they relinquished forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, alongside a second-round pick in the upcoming draft and a fourth-round pick in 2026, to the Avalanche.
This trade has the Blackhawks gaining a third-round pick for this year’s draft while assuming half of Rantanen’s salary in the deal. Rantanen, a 28-year-old standout, boasts a notable track record with two seasons recording over 100 points and holding the Avalanche’s record for goals with 55 in the 2022-23 season. After being drafted 10th overall in 2015, he spent his entire NHL career with Colorado but was set to become an unrestricted free agent next season due to unsuccessful contract negotiations.
Carolina’s first-year general manager Eric Tulsky expressed enthusiasm over the addition of Rantanen, labeling him as one of the top power forwards in hockey. Tulsky highlighted the Hurricanes’ desire to incorporate elite talent into their lineup, noting how Rantanen should integrate well into their system and foster a positive locker room atmosphere. Moreover, the addition of Hall, known for his high skill level, will enhance the team’s offensive capabilities even further.
Having qualified for the playoffs for six years running, including two trips to the Eastern Conference Final, the Hurricanes are eager to break through to the Stanley Cup Final under coach Rod Brind’Amour, who captained the franchise in their 2006 championship victory. Last season, the team tried to resolve an ongoing issue with high-end scoring when they acquired Jake Guentzel, only to trade away his rights shortly before free agency after being eliminated in the second round.
Currently, the Hurricanes hold the second spot in the conference with 63 points, trailing the Washington Capitals, who lead with 71. Rantanen incurs a salary cap hit of $9.25 million for this season. They also welcomed Hall, a former Hart Trophy recipient, to the squad. At 33, Hall has faced significant time away from play after right knee surgery. Having been the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, he previously excelled with a tally of 39 goals and 54 assists during his 2017-18 season with New Jersey. Now, he has nine goals and 15 assists in 46 games this season, while he is set to enter free agency soon.
Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen reflected on Hall’s opportunity with the trade, recognizing that it was part of the business aspect of the league. He praised Hall’s professionalism and experience, which could be invaluable for his new team. Chicago’s captain, Nick Foligno, acknowledged the team’s role in the decision to part ways with such a talented player, lamenting the disappointing situation created by their performance on the ice.
This trade signals the end of Necas’ stint with Carolina, where he was drafted in the first round of 2017. The 26-year-old showcased impressive offensive skills, amassing 16 goals and 39 assists, leading the team with 55 points. He had recently signed a two-year contract worth $13 million. The 24-year-old Drury, a former second-round pick, recorded 15 goals over 153 regular-season games with the Hurricanes. They will now join the Avalanche as the team battles for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, while the Blackhawks, currently near the bottom of the league standings with 35 points, now have nine picks for the upcoming draft.
Additionally, Carolina acquired the rights to forward prospect Nils Juntorp in this transaction, as the NHL approaches its Four Nations tournament break. With just over a month remaining until the league’s trade deadline on March 7, teams are eager to take proactive measures amid competitive races present in both conferences. Increased trade discussions are expected, particularly with rumors swirling around Vancouver looking to move forward J.T. Miller.
