Seventeen days ago the hockey world, and fans around this team in particular, were stunned when Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes — suddenly ending his storied 10-year stint with the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche began the process of moving on with its first win since the deal Sunday afternoon against the Rangers. Drury scored a goal. Necas was dynamic, collecting two assists and hitting both the crossbar and post with shots while playing in Rantanen’s old spot next to MacKinnon.

Former Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen took to Instagram to share his gratitude to the franchise after being traded to the Hurricanes.

Speaking to The Athletic’s Peter Baugh on Monday, Rantanen shared his thoughts on the trade, his contract talks with the Avalanche and his new chapter in Carolina. Most interestingly, Rantanen confirmed that he was "ready to take a significant discount" to stay in Colorado, as initially reported by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

The Carolina Hurricanes have lost their star forward to injury shortly after acquiring him in a trade.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (96) skates against the New York Islanders. Rantanen, 28, is in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract and could be seeking a deal in the range of $14 million per year— comparable to Leon Draisaitl’s extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen is out of the lineup Saturday against Utah due to a lower-body injury and his status for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament is now to be determined.

The Carolina Hurricanes just brought in star Mikko Rantanen, but his tenure with the team may not last long. Carolina may be flipping Rantanen, per NHL Trade Rumors. The Hurricanes brought in the winger weeks ago from the Colorado Avalanche,