Mikko Rantanen opens up about unexpected trade to Hurricanes

Although plenty of new information has emerged regarding the trade that sent Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, we hadnt heard from the player himself.

In an article by Corey Masisak of The Denver Post, Rantanen finally spoke about the trade from his point of view.

One of the biggest takeaways from the interview with Masisak is that he confirmed he was willing to take a discount to stay with the Avalanche organization, which had been widely reported in the days following the trade.

I was ready to take a significant discount for my market value," Rantanen said.

"We had some chats, like a couple days before.

Then they traded me.

Thats what happened.

Thats why I didnt expect what happened.

Despite being blindsided by the trade, it doesnt appear Rantanen is taking it too personally.

Even though he had never been traded in his career, he acknowledged one of the realities of his profession.

I dont know.

I didnt know we were in a rush," Rantanen said.

"Thats what I felt like.

Thats my honest opinion.

But its business and I understand.

Theyre trying to think whats best for them and youve got to understand that.

Youve got to understand they are only doing the business how they think it is good for their future.

Regarding the potential extension, several analysts and pundits have suggested that Rantanens starting point was Leon Draisaitl s eight-year, $112M extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

Still, provided the added context of the Avalanches lack of desire to pay anyone more than Nathan MacKinnon s $12.6M salary, it was going to be hard to resolve even if Rantanen was willing to take a pay cut.

Moving on to one of the facilitators of the blockbuster deal, the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, Kyle Davidson , spoke about his teams involvement in the deal.

In an interview with Scott Powers of The Athletic (s ubscription required ), Davidson said the following: In waiting, you run the risk of things like injury, (and) the role was diminishing almost by the game," Davidson said.

"It just wasnt heading towards a way that was going to maximize or enhance value.

In moving then, we moved at full price and held (salary) on the other player involved.

It just didnt make sense to wait and not really get a better return later on.

Davidson was referencing Chicagos inclusion in the deal beyond retaining half of Rantanens remaining salary.

The Blackhawks traded former MVP Taylor Hall whose ice time had been precipitously dropping over the last several games.

The fourth-year general manager wasnt convinced Chicago would get a better offer had they waited closer until the trade deadline.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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