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Leon Draisaitl had an effect on Mikko Rantanen trade, per insiders

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Jan 25, 2025 12:07 AM ET

The Colorado Avalanche traded star forward Mikko Rantanen in a three team blockbuster deal tonight, that apparently had some influence from Oilers star Leon Draisaitl.

Rantanen will be traded from the Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three team blockbuster deal that sent Taylor Hall and Martin Necas to Colorado.

Leon Draisaitl's Contract influenced Mikko Rantanen trade to Carolina Hurricanes

According to new reports from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Mikko Rantanen was demanding a similar contract to Leon Draisaitl's deal for $14M. Unwilling to pay that price tag, the Avalanche found a deal for him.

The Colorado Avalanche are already tight against the salary cap, and thinking that Rantanen's point were a product of MacKinnon, were unwilling to pay the price tag of $14M or more on a long term deal.

Rantanen has scored at or near a 100 point pace in the last 4 seasons now on a contract for $9.25M, and is considered one of the star power forwards with skill in the NHL.

Funny enough, Leon Draisaitl's deal with the Oilers is paying off for Edmonton on and off the ice. The Oilers are getting an MVP level season from Draisaitl with the salary cap rising, and a strong conference rival in the Avalanche will get weaker by losing Rantanen.

The Avalanche will be fine with getting Taylor Hall and Martin Necas in return, but they'll lose a significant portion of their star power by losing Rantanen.

Leon Draisaitl's deal will probably continue to age favourably with the increasing salary cap, but it's also forcing other NHL teams to cut bait with star players.

This will be an incredible deal to track, but if Carolina can re-sign Rantanen and he keeps up his production, this deal will be a steal for Carolina.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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