Bob Frid-Imagn Images
While there was a bit of an underlying feeling that a Mikko Rantanen trade was possible, seeing it happen on Friday night still sent shockwaves around the NHL. Rantanen was an Avalanche superstar and, to many, a lifer. However, money being an issue meant the Avs had to explore their options and find one in a trade.
Rantanen is now a Carolina Hurricane, all because he wanted more than the Avalanche were willing to pay. Sportsnet’s Ellitotte Friedman explained that Leon Draisaitl’s deal with the Edmonton Oilers “changed everything.” Rantanen saw the money and wanted it, too. An annual value of $14M is more than Nathan MacKinnon makes, and they couldn’t justify paying him more than their star center, and with Cale Makar’s deal coming up, the Avs drew a line in the sand.
Related: Hurricanes Got Their Guy In Rantanen, Now Comes The Big Challenge: Re-Signing Him
Are there other teams who might be in a similar situation to the Avs? Perhaps it’s not about money, but fit or personality clashes. However, the answer is yes.
Boston Bruins and Brad Marchand
When asked if the Boston Bruins could realistically trade their captain, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic cited a conversation with an NHL executive who responded, “If they think it’ll help the team.” It was then said of Brad Marchand, “All bets are off.”
The idea of the Bruins trading Marchand seems incomprehensible. Still, with just under six weeks until the trade deadline, here we are.
After some up and down moments during the season, being scratched and benched for periods or sequences, and rumors of drama between Marchand and David Pastrnak catching media attention, Marchand’s future is anything but clear. It seems evident he wants to remain a Bruin. With what’s going on with that organization and with how uncertain their plans moving forward appear to be, there is a greater chance than perhaps ever before that Marchand and Boston could agree to part ways.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Kris Letang
Marco D’Amico of RG.org reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins were gearing up for a potential “fire sale.” Dubas later shot down those rumors, saying on Josh Getzoff‘s ‘GM Show’ on the Penguins Radio Network: “We’re trying to bring in younger NHL players, we’re trying to bring in prospects and we’re trying to bring in draft picks, with the goal being to quickly develop those assets into people that can help the core group of the team here win one more time…