Avalanche Insider Reveals the Truth Behind Mikko Rantanen Trade to Carolina

On Thursday, the Colorado Avalanche inked star forward Martin Necas to a mammoth extension following weeks of speculation over his future, with the team now keeping the 26-year old around for a further eight seasons after a red-hot start to his tenure with the team.

In 41 games played since arriving in Colorado, Necas has a solid 18 goals and 41 points, and at over a point-per-game this season, the team are hoping he can be the long-term winger to Nathan MacKinnon and help them back to Stanley Cup contention.

However, there has been some controversy behind this extension, with fans wondering why the team would not have simply given Mikko Rantanen $12 million per season like he signed in Dallas rather than make the trade, potentially ruin chemistry and then hand out an $11.5 million deal to his replacement anyway.

Now, Drew Livingstone has clarified those questions, revealing that Rantanen was asking for more than the $12 million he settled for in Dallas, with the Avalanche not comfortable going over that mark, but after he was moved, Rantanen seemingly accepted a lesser offer in Dallas (a tax free state as well).

On top of that, the team got potentially their long-term 3C in Jack Drury as well, and while Necas may never become the 100-point player that Rantanen seemingly is, he's cheaper and the team acquired another asset in the deal, meaning both parties are likely very happy with the deal.