Mikko Rantanen does not believe he priced himself out of the future plans of the Colorado Avalanche.

Speaking with Finnish media Sunday, Rantanen said, “Discussions about an extension with the club were open. I was ready to take a discount based on my market value … I don’t want to talk about exact amounts, but I was prepared to accept quite a bit of my market value. That’s why this [trade] came as such a surprise.”

Dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday as part of a three-team trade that included the Chicago Blackhawks, the pending unrestricted free agent was moved by Colorado due to his anticipated contract demands.

Earlier this month, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported that Rantanen’s camp had been focused on a $14-million per year extension, in line with the recent contract signed by Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl. Seravalli also indicated that the Avalanche were focused on keeping Rantanen’s next contract at par or below that of center Nathan MacKinnon, who in September 2022 signed an eight-year extension worth $12.6-million per season.

It’s a complicated salary cap picture in Colorado, as the club will also need to prepare itself for Cale Makar’s next contract. The 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner currently makes $9-million per season but is due to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

For the Hurricanes, the club added Rantanen at half price, with the Blackhawks agreeing to cover 50 percent of his existing $9.25-million annual average value in exchange for a third-round selection in the upcoming NHL Draft.

Debuting with the Hurricanes on Saturday, Rantanen finished with five shots and a plus-one rating through 18:54 in ice time en route to 3-2 overtime loss against the New York Islanders. On the season, Rantanen now headlines the Hurricanes in scoring and sits sixth league-wide with 64 points counting 25 goals and 39 assists coming in 50 appearances.