The Carolina Hurricanes executed a significant three-team trade on Friday, acquiring two forwards from the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. In return, the Avalanche received two forwards from Carolina, along with a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2026. Carolina also added a forward prospect from Chicago. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, received a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft from Carolina and will retain 50% of one player’s salary. salary.
Rantanen, who has played his entire 619-game career with Colorado, is a key player with 681 points (287 goals, 394 assists). Drafted 10th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, he was part of the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup win. In his final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract, he has recorded 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games this season. Rantanen is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Colorado’s GM Chris MacFarland explained that trading Rantanen, an elite winger, was a tough decision made after careful thought.
Rantanen has also excelled in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with 101 points (34 goals, 67 assists) in 81 games, including 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) during the Cup run. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky sees Rantanen as a great fit for their style of play, especially with his ability to battle for pucks and create chances at the net, something that aligns with their team identity.
Hall, who is in the final season of a four-year, $24 million contract, is also set to become a free agent after this season. He has recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 46 games this year. Tulsky views Hall as an important addition, offering skill, size, and speed to help boost Carolina’s offensive depth. Hall, the 2017-18 NHL MVP with the New Jersey Devils, has 721 points (275 goals, 446 assists) in 878 games across several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Bruins, and Blackhawks.
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno expressed the emotional side of the trade, especially since he had become close friends with Hall. He acknowledged that the business side of hockey often leads to tough decisions, particularly when players are on expiring contracts. Foligno reflected on the challenge of seeing friends leave, wishing Hall and his family all the best.
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