According to Pennanen, the transfer can affect whether Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho will be seen in the same chain in the four-country tournament.
14:58•Updated 15:01
Many Finnish hockey fans may have had coffee down their throats on Saturday morning, when Mikko Rantanen the name was mentioned in the giant trade between the Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurriganes. Rantanen moved to Carolina after playing his entire 10-season NHL career in Colorado.
The Leijoni head coach was also surprised by Rantanen’s transfer Antti Pennanen, who has been following the conversation about the Finnish striker with interest.
– It was a big surprise. Of course, I thought, how will this turn out, when there have been no advance rumors. The club has managed to keep the negotiations hidden, or decisions have been made quite quickly, says Pennanen.
Pennanen has not yet had time to talk with Rantanen, but believes that the Finnish striker is satisfied with the transfer.
– However, Rantanen will get to a club that aims to win the Stanley Cup. He sure likes to play Sebastian Ahon with in the same field.
There are also heated discussions about the four-country tournament to be played in February and whether, for example, Rantanen and Aho will be seen in the same chain.
– It is one pair sled that we have thought about. The move will definitely affect it in some way. I’m talking to the duo today about it.