The NHL and NBA have been making headlines lately with trades involving star players. Luka Doncic was recently traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, among other players. A top player in the league and his position, Doncic has a chance to make his former club pay dearly in the coming years. The Carolina Hurricanes recently rocked the league after trading Martin Necas for Mikko Rantanen. Although there are different types of players, one aspect of the trade can't help but have similarities.
The biggest shock from these trades were the age of the players involved. At such young ages, the primary players involved in the trade could evolve into players unlike their current stature. The room left for these players to not only reach their ceiling but higher that ceiling is possible, if not likely.
Doncic has achieved so much at this age, but Necas has more room to grow. At 25, Doncic led the league in many categories and reached the NBA Finals. Necas, who is just 26, is coming into his own as a player. Having struggled with the defensive part of Rod Brind'Amour's system, he now has more freedom in Colorado.
Necas has been a productive player for Carolina the last two seasons and helped the Canes reach the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champion, Florida Panthers. Two straight 20-goal seasons helped elevate Necas to a higher level, contributing to the contract disputes in Carolina. This season, Necas has already exceeded his point total from last year and is sure to break his career-high of 71 points.
Both players have their downfalls but what player is perfect? In 5-10 years it may be awkward for the Canes and Mavs if these two players turn out to win multiple championships and sit atop the league in their respective positions. The risk is greater for Carolina as Rantanen could walk this summer just like Jake Guentzel did last year.