Avs Eye-Opening Trade Makes Even Less Sense Now
Hindsight is 20/20.
The Colorado Avalanche sent shockwaves through the hockey world when they traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in January.
Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players.
For a while, that deal seemed to be working out in the Avalanche’s favor. Martin Necas was sent to the Avalanche as part of the deal and proceeded to record nine points in his first eight games as a member of the Avs.
But one question persisted – would the Avalanche regret trading Rantanen come playoff time? I think it’s safe to say that the answer to that question is yes.
Mikko Rantanen Goes Supernova Against Avalanche
It took Rantanen a few games to find his footing against his old club. In Games 1 through 4, he only recorded one assist, and that’s when things went bananas.
In the series' final three games, Rantanen recorded five goals and 11 points with the Dallas Stars. Three of his goals came in Game 7, where he recorded a hat trick and one assist to put the nail in the coffin of the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup dreams.
Nathan MacKinnon Only Superstar Up For The Challenge
On the other hand, Nathan MacKinnon was the only Avalanche player who made a huge impact on his team in the series. He led the Avs in points with 11.
Logan O’Connor stepped up big time, contributing six points in seven games. Cale Makar, Valeri Nichushkin, Gabriel Landeskog, Brock Nelson, and Jonathan Drouin recorded five or fewer points throughout the series. Those are hardly superstar numbers, but the Avalanche needed a difference-maker to step up.
But the Avalanche didn’t get that. Even Necas only contributed five points in a series-losing effort.
Rantanen is a proven playoff performer, who is now up to 113 points in 88 playoff games. Necas has 35 points in 66 playoff games, so maybe Avalanche fans shouldn’t be terribly surprised by the end result.
No matter how you slice it, this loss will be hard to stomach for the Avalanche. Management needs to do a lot of soul-searching in the summer to figure out how to move on from this loss.
Add us to your Google News favorites and never miss a story.
Related articles
Falcons' Raheem Morris Explains Firing DC Jimmy Lake: 'Production-Based Business'
One Vikings backup quarterback option is gaining popularity, and it's a player Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should avoid at all costs-1743818840-q80.webp "'I Don't Think Anybody Thought That Would Happen': Maple Leafs React To Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Approaching Wayne Gretzky's NHL Goal Record")
'I Don't Think Anybody Thought That Would Happen': Maple Leafs React To Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Approaching Wayne Gretzky's NHL Goal Record
Report Sheds Light on Jakobi Meyers’ Long-Term Plans with RaidersThe Latest
-1746504980-q80.webp "Avs Eye-Opening Trade Makes Even Less Sense Now")
Avs Eye-Opening Trade Makes Even Less Sense Now
Hindsight is 20/20. The Colorado Avalanche sent shockwaves through the hockey world when they traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in January. Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players. For a while, that deal seemed to be ...
Article: An Emotional Farewell — '9-1-1' Cast Gathers in Full Uniform to Honor Captain Bobby Nash
In a powerful behind-the-scenes photo that has taken 9-1-1 fans by storm, the cast is seen dressed in full LAFD funeral attire, gathered solemnly in front of a fire truck bearing the name “Nash.” The emotional shot confirms what viewers ...
National champion singled out as player to watch in Panthers' star-studded draft class
The Carolina Panthers drafted at least three players who will likely be Week 1 starters in the 2025 draft. There could very well be more, but they managed to get good, useful players at positions of need up and down the draft. One stands out ...
‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Chicago P.D.’ & ‘Chicago Med’ Renewed By NBC For 2025-26 Season With Some Cost-Trimming
EXCLUSIVE: After only two early 2025-26 renewals for freshman comedies St. Denis Medical and Happy’s Place, NBC is kicking off its pickups today with three of its strongest series, the formidable One Chicago franchise. Ahead of the network’s 2025-26 schedule reveal next Monday, NBC has renewed Chicago ...
I Love ‘Fire Country,’ but These 7 Things Make No Sense
Fire Country's third season has officially concluded, with a fourth set to air later this year. The season shook things up for a number of the main characters, with new romances, more dangerous emergencies, and even some switch-ups at Station ...
