RALEIGH, N.C. – In a stunning late-night trade this past January, the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Colorado Avalanche shook up the hockey world with a massive three-team deal. The swap saw Carolina part ways with star forward Martin Necas and promising center Jack Drury, but in return, the Hurricanes added former league MVP Taylor Hall and secured a future star in Logan Stankoven.
The trade initially focused on acquiring Mikko Rantanen, the talented Finnish forward and pending unrestricted free agent, in hopes of bolstering the team’s lineup and securing him for the long haul. The expectation was that Rantanen would not only be a perfect fit alongside the team’s existing Finnish stars but also potentially become a franchise cornerstone. However, when Rantanen declined to commit to Carolina, Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky quickly pivoted, finalizing a trade that would strengthen the team’s future.
“We knew the initial trade was a risk, but the potential upside was massive. When it didn’t work out, we were able to make a strategic move that gave us a solid future foundation,” said Tulsky.
The centerpiece of the new deal was Logan Stankoven, a 22-year-old forward who was a second-round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2021. Stankoven, known for his tenacity, aggressive play, and high hockey IQ, joins a core of young talent in Carolina that includes players like Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis. With other rising stars such as Bradly Nadeau and Alexander Nikishin, the Hurricanes are building a strong roster that looks poised for long-term success.
“Adding a player like Stankoven, who has both skill and grit, is exactly what we want in a Hurricanes player. He plays bigger than he looks and competes hard,” Tulsky added. “We’re confident he’ll be a great addition to the team.”
In addition to Stankoven, the trade brought the Hurricanes two first-round picks and two third-round selections, further strengthening the team’s prospects for the future. This strategic move gives Carolina a blend of veteran leadership with Hall and a promising, young roster capable of maintaining competitive excellence for years to come.
Tulsky, reflecting on the trade, said, “While it’s always tough to lose a player like Necas, we’ve positioned ourselves to be successful now and in the future. We’ve gained valuable assets, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
With an eye firmly on the long-term vision, the Hurricanes have set themselves up to continue climbing the ranks of the NHL, and the future in Carolina looks brighter than ever.