As the NHL season approaches, the rumour mill is in full swing with general managers scrambling to finalize deals before training camp begins. The recent mega-extension signed by Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, leaving many wondering about the impact on other star players. One player feeling the effects is Colorado Avalanche forward, Mikko Rantanen.
With Rantanen set to become a free agent at the end of the season, negotiations for a new contract have already begun. The Finnish winger, who currently earns $9.25 million, is looking for a significant raise, aiming for a salary above $10 million. The pressure is on Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland to strike a deal that satisfies Rantanen’s demands while also fitting within the team’s salary cap structure.
Rantanen’s impressive performance over the past few seasons, including back-to-back 100-plus point campaigns, has solidified his status as a top-tier player deserving of a substantial contract. The question now is how much will the Avalanche be willing to invest in keeping him in Colorado.
One key consideration for MacFarland is the contract of superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who is currently making $12.6 million per season until 2030-31. The GM will likely look to keep Rantanen’s cap hit below MacKinnon’s number, ensuring financial stability for the team. Interestingly, both Draisaitl and Rantanen share the same agent, Andy Scott, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiation process.
With negotiations underway, the Avalanche front office will need to carefully navigate the financial landscape to secure Rantanen’s long-term future with the team. While there is no doubt that the talented forward will receive a significant pay increase, the final details of his new contract remain to be seen. Stay tuned as the NHL offseason continues to unfold with more contract talks and rumours on the horizon.