NHL news: Mikko Rantanen ripped by ex-N.C. governor after Hurricanes trade
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made headlines recently when he took a jab at former Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen following Rantanen’s trade to the Dallas Stars. Rantanen, 28, had a short stint with the Hurricanes, playing in just 13 games and scoring only two goals before being traded.
The Hurricanes had high hopes for Rantanen when they acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche in January. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to sign him to a long-term contract, they ultimately decided to trade him to the Stars. Cooper didn’t hold back in his criticism of Rantanen, taking to social media to express his disappointment in the Finnish winger.
“Bad turnover, Mikko. You would have loved it here but didn’t give NC a chance,” Cooper wrote. “On the bright side, if the Hurricanes were getting for the playoffs what they got these last 13 games, then it’s for the best. Now it’s time for a Carolina Cup run!”
In return for Rantanen, the Hurricanes received forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks, and two third-round picks from the Stars. The Stars wasted no time in signing Rantanen to an eight-year, $12 million-per-year contract extension.
Rantanen’s performance with the Hurricanes was underwhelming, as he failed to make the impact that was expected of him. In his 13 games with the team, he recorded just six points, a far cry from his impressive 64 points in 49 games with the Avalanche before the trade.
The Hurricanes paid a hefty price to acquire Rantanen, trading away Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Avalanche in exchange for the Finnish winger. Necas, who had 55 points in 49 games with the Hurricanes before the trade, has since found success with the Avalanche, tallying 15 points in 14 games.
Despite the disappointment of Rantanen’s short-lived tenure with the Hurricanes, the team remains in a strong position this season. With 78 points and sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division, the Hurricanes are well-positioned for a playoff run.
As the dust settles on the Rantanen trade saga, it remains to be seen how the Hurricanes will fare without him. Fans are hopeful that the team can overcome this setback and continue their pursuit of a Carolina Cup. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
