Mikko Rantanen said he was open to signing for cheaper than his reported price before the Colorado Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.
"I was ready to take a significant discount from my market value," Rantanen told The Athletic's Peter Baugh. "We had some chats a couple days before and then they traded me. That's what happened. That's why I didn’t expect it."
He added: "I didn't know we were in a rush. That's what I felt. That's my honest opinion. It's business, and I understand. They're trying to think what's best for them."
Rantanen and the Avalanche were reportedly in a stalemate in negotiations earlier this month. It was reported in November that Rantanen believes his market value was in the range of $14 million per season, which would match Leon Draisaitl's league-leading mark.
Colorado pays reigning NHL MVP Nathan MacKinnon $12.6 million per season, and Cale Makar is eligible for an extension starting in the summer of 2026.
The Avalanche received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and a second-round pick from the Hurricanes. Colorado general manager Chris MacFarland said Saturday the "timing was right" to trade Rantanen given the offer on the table.
Carolina GM Eric Tulsky revealed the two clubs first discussed a Rantanen traded over the summer, and negotiations had picked up steam again over the past six-to-eight weeks.
Rantanen is an unrestricted free agent July 1 but is eligible to sign an extension with the Hurricanes at any point if he wishes. The 28-year-old has earned $9.25 million per year over the past six seasons.