Dater: Avs Have Already Won The Rantanen Trade

Numbers all in Avs' favor so far

Ethan Cairns/Icon Sportswire

I know, I know. That’s a clickbait headline. I try not to do those. But, hey, since you’re now here …

A ways to go before the hockey gods render final judgment on the Mikko Rantanen trade. Mikko is going to be a playoff player for the Carolina Hurricanes, and his playoffs to date are: 81 games, 101 points, one Stanley Cup.

Martin Necas’ playoff stats: 59 games, 30 points.

I think, when the playoffs are done, is the time when the trade will be best judged. At least, for this year.

But how about beyond? That’s where this trade starts to look a lot better in favor of the Avs. The Avs have a 26-year-old, highly-skilled player, with another year left on his deal. Yeah, yeah, it’s going to cost more than the current $6.5 million cap hit he has now to retain him longer-term.