Even After Rantanen Blockbuster Trade, Avs Have Two Superstars They'll Never Give Up On

The Colorado Avalanche surprised the hockey industry by trading star right winger Mkko Rantanen to Carolina. Nobody saw the deal coming, and Avs fans were rightfully confused and angry to see a star player dealt away, even though Colorado got a fairly good deal of assets in return for Rantanen's services.

But look on the bright side, Avalanche fans -- the Avs have superstar players who would roundhouse-kick just about anyone to put on their team. Of course, we're talking about superstar center Nathn MacKinnon and superstar defenseman Cale Makar. Some teams would move heaven and earth to employ one of those dynamos, let alone two. And the Avs' decision to deal Rantanen allows them to go out and bulk up their depth up front and on defense.

Related: Makar, MacKinnon, Rantanen Lead List Of Avs Who Made Colorado's Quarter-Century Teams

Avs' management has decided to cut down on the top-heavy lineup, but we'd bet the house that MacKinnon and Makar will be in Denver for a very long time, if not their entire carers. Something catastrophic to the Avalanche would have to take place to change that.

So turn that frown upside-down. Avs fans. You've got the good fortune to have two icons and surefire Hockey Hall-of-Famers, and you get to see them for a very long time.

Related: Avalanche's Makar blossoming into a generational talent