With Rantanen now in Carolina, LeBrun noted the Hurricanes have the "key" advantage of offering an eight-year extension instead of just a seven-year deal, although he also noted that Rantanen will most probably demand $14-plus million.

Carolina can re-sign Rantanen and maintain a formidable supporting cast around him, which might have been tough for Colorado.

The Colorado Avalanche has traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, according to multiple reports. Rantanen is in the final year of his contract and can be an unrestricted free agent in July.