Sports

Colorado Avalanche trade Mikko Rantanen, star forward will play for Carolina Hurricanes

By Jack Lowenstein, Jesse Sarles

Updated on: January 24, 2025 / 9:59 PM MST / CBS Colorado

The Colorado Avalanche have traded 28-year-old star forward Mikko Rantanen. The team confirmed the move late Friday night.

Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche looks on prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on January 22, 2025 in Denver. Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

The trade involves three teams and Rantanen will wind up on the Carolina Hurricanes. The Avalanche will receive Hurricanes forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury. Also part of the three-team deal, forward prospect Nils Juntorp is heading to Colorado from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Mikko Rantanen has reportedly been traded to the @Canes! #RaiseUp pic.twitter.com/GOKm09ttjh
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 25, 2025

The move is a surprise in the NHL world. Rantanen has been one of the highest scoring players in the league in recent seasons. This year he is no. 6 in points -- as of Friday's trade.

Rantanen and the Avalanche had been trying to negotiate a new contract. He leaves the franchise after nine seasons, including 2022's Stanley Cup championship season. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Jack Lowenstein

Jack Lowenstein is a digital media producer and assignment desk editor with CBS Colorado. At the news desk in Denver, Jack takes pride partnering with public servants every day to confirm necessary information through local, state and federal agencie