The Avalanche made one of the biggest trades in Colorado sports history last week when it sent away star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes in a deal that included the Blackhawks.
In return, the Avs received forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, plus a pair of draft picks (2025 second-rounder and 2026 fourth-rounder).
Rantanen, 28, leaves Colorado ranked in the franchise’s top 10 in goals (287), assists (394) and points (681).
How does the move look outside Colorado? Here’s a roundup of how national media outlets graded it:
The Athletic (Avs grade: B-): “But with Rantanen’s contract situation in mind, it does make sense to take a more proactive approach instead of risking losing him for nothing.