Roy Cooper, the former governor of North Carolina, took a swipe at former Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen after Rantanen was traded Friday.
Rantanen, 28, played in just 13 games with the Hurricanes after they acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche in January, scoring just two goals during his brief stint.
After an interesting debacle with a long-term contract in Carolina, the Hurricanes made a second trade, this time sending Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, the team with which he ultimately signed a long-term extension with.
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North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Imagn)
“Bad turnover, Mikko. You would have loved it here but didn’t give NC a chance,” Cooper posted to social media. “On the bright side, if (the Hurricanes) were getting for the playoffs what they got these last 13 games, then it’s for the best. Now it’s time for a Carolina Cup run!”
Because Rantanen wasn’t ready to decide on an extension and commit long-term, the Hurricanes traded him to the Stars in return for forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks and two third-round picks, according to an ESPN report.
The Stars are also reportedly signing Rantanen to an eight-year, $12 million-per-year contract extension.
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Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen during warmups before a game against the Boston Bruins at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory/Imagn Images)
Rantanen was expected to provide a big boost to the Hurricanes but had just six points in his 13 games after scoring 64 points in 49 games with the Avalanche prior to being traded.
The Hurricanes dealt Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Avalanche for Rantanen, a hefty price to acquire the Finnish winger.
Necas had 55 points in 49 games with the Hurricanes before being traded and has fit in well with Colorado, scoring 15 points in 14 games with the Avalanche.
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Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen takes a shot against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory/Imagn Images)
The Hurricanes have 78 points this season, are in second place in the Metropolitan Division and are firmly in playoff position.
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