How ESPN Graded Jaw-Dropping Trade Involving Ex-Bruins Forward

The Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks got a bit wacky on Friday.

Colorado triggered a blockbuster three-team deal involving the three clubs. Colorado came away from the deal with winger Martin Necas, center Jack Drury and a pair of draft picks, Carolina obtained wingers Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall, and Chicago took on half of the former’s cap hit in exchange for its own draft pick that had previously been traded.

Hall, who spent parts of three seasons with the Boston Bruins — was the difference maker in the deal, with his salary needed to facilitate things to make the money work on all three sides.

ESPN took on the unenviable task of grading the deal for each team, with Hall’s presence being a large reason why one team got great marks and another was on the verge of failing out of school. (Carolina received an A+, Colorado received a B+ and Chicago received a C-).

“The Canes getting Rantanen and Hall only heightens the expectations that they have a roster capable of winning it all this season,” ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark and Greg Wyshynski wrote on Saturday. “… Hall is part of a middle-six winger pool that also features Seth Jarvis, Jordan Martinook, Jack Roslovic and Eric Robinson.”

The Avs took their new-look roster to TD Garden on Saturday, with puck drop scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET on NESN.