The National Hockey League trade deadline was a busy one, and we witnessed a flurry of major trades from contenders in both conferences.

And while attention was fixated on superstar winger Mikko Rantanen finding a long-term home, his old team in Colorado was putting the finishing touches on their playoff lineup – a finishing touch that has solidified the Avs as a championship contender once more.

Back in January, the Avalanche recognized Rantanen would be an unlikely fit for them long term, setting the stage for his move to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes subsequently could not get Rantanen to extend prior to the trade deadline, and ultimately flipped him on March 7 to the Dallas Stars for Logan Stankoven and several picks.

It’s rare players of Rantanen’s calibre are ever available for........

© TSN