Paul Bissonnette Criticizes Avalanche for Excluding Nathan MacKinnon from Mikko Rantanen Trade Discussions
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche traded star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. While the trade itself has been the talk of the league, former NHL player and current media personality Paul Bissonnette has brought a different angle to the controversy. Bissonnette expressed his disbelief that the Avalanche front office reportedly did not consult Nathan MacKinnon, their $100.8 million franchise center, about the deal.
During a segment on the popular hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets, Bissonnette pulled no punches. “You’re talking about one of the best players in the world, a guy who’s given everything to that organization,” he said. “And you’re telling me they didn’t think to get his input before trading away his longtime linemate and one of their top players? It’s mind-blowing.”
Rantanen, who had been with the Avalanche since being drafted 10th overall in 2015, formed a lethal duo with MacKinnon. Together, they were the backbone of Colorado’s offensive success for years, helping the team secure a Stanley Cup in 2022. Rantanen’s consistent production—averaging over a point per game during his time in Colorado—made the trade a shock to many fans and analysts alike.
The trade to the Hurricanes, which saw Colorado receive a package of young prospects and draft picks, has been viewed as a move aimed at bolstering the Avalanche’s long-term future. However, critics argue that parting ways with a player of Rantanen’s caliber could harm the team’s immediate Stanley Cup aspirations, especially given the chemistry he shared with MacKinnon.
Bissonnette highlighted the importance of involving star players in major roster decisions, particularly when those decisions directly impact their roles. “Nathan MacKinnon isn’t just any player,” he said. “He’s the face of the franchise, the guy you committed over $100 million to because he’s your leader. Not involving him in this kind of trade feels like a slap in the face.”
Reports indicate that MacKinnon was as blindsided by the trade as the rest of the hockey world. While he hasn’t publicly commented on the matter, insiders suggest that he may have preferred to keep Rantanen in the fold. Some have speculated that this lack of communication could create tension between the Avalanche front office and their star center, a situation the team cannot afford.
On the other hand, the Avalanche’s management has defended the trade, emphasizing the importance of balancing short-term goals with long-term sustainability. General Manager Chris MacFarland stated, “These decisions are never easy, but we believe this move sets us up for continued success.”
As for the Hurricanes, they now boast a formidable roster with the addition of Rantanen, further solidifying their status as Stanley Cup contenders. For the Avalanche, the aftermath of this trade will be closely scrutinized, especially if the team struggles to fill the void left by Rantanen.
The question remains: Should franchise players like MacKinnon have a seat at the table when decisions of this magnitude are made? For Bissonnette and many others, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether the Avalanche can smooth things over with their superstar remains to be seen.
