Mikko Rantanen’s Carolina Hurricanes swap surprised everyone in the NHL, with critics and enthusiasts debating whether it was a smart move or not. In a blockbuster trade with Taylor Hall and a bundle of draft picks, Carolina re-shaped the face of the Eastern Conference. But one can’t help but wonder—was Carolina taking a smart gamble or a gamble in vain?

The move shocked many, most notably with Colorado’s big player, Rantanen. Carolina, in contrast, saw an opportunity to boost its attack and make a dash for a Stanley Cup. Carolina happened to be in New York when the move happened, and over dinner, when the players sat down, everyone’s mood changed with regards to hearing about it. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a center, addressed its reaction, stating, “We didn’t know who was going the other way. We all tried to figure out who it was.”

For Finnish fans, the move was a source of happiness. Kotkaniemi stressed their excitement, saying, “They’re pretty hyped in Finland. They can see two best players together in one team. What could possibly make them happier?” He added about having an opportunity to witness Rantanen join fellow Finnish phenom Sebastian Aho in Carolina. Long in search of high-class offensive talent, the Hurricanes made a statement with this move, but concerns about whether Rantanen will become a long-term presence in Carolina have yet to abate.

The reaction in Colorado, in contrast, could not have been any different. In a state of shock, most particularly long-time linemate and buddy Nathan MacKinnon, disbelief filled the Avalanche locker room. Asked about the trade, MacKinnon shared his feelings, stating, “I wish I could have discussed about this not at the moment.” Continuing with reluctance in saying goodbye to Rantanen, he stated, “Just sad, obviously. Losing Mikko. terrific 10-year buddy. Won a Cup together. I don’t actually know what happened. It’s unfortunate to miss a terrific buddy and terrific player.”

The Mikko Rantanen trade’s larger implications

Apart from emotion in dressing rooms, the trade raises big questions for both organizations. Hurricanes gambled big in trading for free agent in waiting Rantanen. In case he doesn’t re-sign, Carolina can wind up having traded for a short-term shot in the arm with assets of value. One general manager appreciated Hurricanes for taking a bold gamble, but a fellow general manager cautioned, “They’re gambling that he stays, but nobody can ever say with any assurance a player will re-sign.”

For Colorado, trading a big player wasn’t a simple decision to make. Salary concerns, such as impending deals for significant skaters like Cale Makar, played a role in the move. Colorado acquired Martin Necas and Jack Drury, and draft assets, in return, with an eye towards rebuilding at a deeper level. On one level, one could say it’s a long-term move, but trading a top scorer like Rantanen could bite them in terms of an immediate championship run.

Carolina’s blockbuster trade for Mikko Rantanen is a swing for the fences that will break or make their season. It will be a master move if they sign him for the long-term and make a deep playoff run, but a failure in extension might happen, and then everyone will remember about it for years to come. In both dressing rooms, the emotional price tag will validate just how big a move it was. Everyone in the NHL will have eyes glued to witness how this gamble pans out.