Elliotte Friedman reports that money was one significant factor (perhaps the biggest) in the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen.

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 said he thought talks with the Avs had been productive before the shocking trade to the Canes: "I didn’t know we were in a rush."

Chris MacFarland pointed to Rantanen’s pending free agency and the club’s desire to get deeper after three years of being short in that department as reasons for the trade. The NHL’s salary cap ceiling, which is set at $88 million this year but is expected to rise — possibly significantly — in the next couple of seasons is also a factor.

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

The Mikko Rantanen blockbuster to the Hurricanes is one of the most stunning trades in recent memory, and the reactions are flooding in.

The Colorado Avalanche has traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in one of the most stunning transactions in franchise history.

Mikko Rantanen was dealt to the Hurricanes for Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland says trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes was a "tough business decision,' calling the star winger a "superstar human being."

The Hurricanes added a superstar to their lineup and win the trade, but how much will depend on if he re-signs in Carolina.