Colorado Avalanche Commit to Retaining Star Forward, Rule Out Trade

The Colorado Avalanche have no plans of trading their top goal scorer.

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“Avalanche Commit to Retaining Mikko Rantanen, Dismiss Trade Rumors Amid Contract Talks”

 

Despite being in the final year of his contract, the Colorado Avalanche have reaffirmed their commitment to retaining superstar forward Mikko Rantanen, according to a source close to the situation. The team has dismissed recent trade rumors, instead focusing on negotiating a new deal with their top goal scorer.

 

Rantanen’s impressive performance this season has only strengthened the Avalanche’s resolve to keep him in Denver. With his contract set to expire soon, the team recognizes the importance of securing his long-term future.

 

While negotiations may take time, the Avalanche are confident that they can reach a mutually beneficial agreement with Rantanen. The team’s commitment to retaining their star player is a testament to their dedication to building a competitive roster and making a deep playoff run.

“Why would the Avalanche want to deplete their organization when they are in win-now mode,” the source told RG. “Colorado wants to keep him, but it will come down to the last minute.”

Both the Avalanche and Rantanen want to get a deal done, but it may be a sizable price tag.

David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period backed the RG report, saying the Avalanche have no interest in exploring trade possibilities, and noted that Rantanen’s next contract will be a big one.

“Colorado has no interest in exploring a trade involving Mikko Rantanen,” Pagnotta writes. “But it is going to cost the Avalanche a higher AAV than Nathan MacKinnon’s to get him signed.”

“Rantanen’s Contract Aspirations: A $14 Million Price Tag”

Nathan MacKinnon’s lucrative eight-year contract, which carries a $12.6 million cap hit, set the standard for top-tier NHL players last season. However, with Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million deal surpassing MacKinnon’s this season, the bar has been raised. Looking ahead to next season, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl will take the reins as the league’s highest-paid player, with a staggering $14 million cap hit.

Mikko Rantanen, the Colorado Avalanche’s star forward, has reportedly set his sights on a similar deal. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Rantanen and his representatives have been eyeing a contract comparable to Draisaitl’s. This development poses a significant challenge for the Avalanche, who are eager to retain Rantanen’s services but will need to make a substantial financial commitment to seal the deal.

 

The Avalanche’s desire to keep Rantanen is evident, but the team’s financial flexibility will be put to the test. With the NHL’s salary cap projected to increase, the Avalanche will need to carefully manage their payroll to accommodate Rantanen’s contract aspirations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Avalanche can meet Rantanen’s demands and keep their star player in Denver for the long haul.

The Avalanche certainly don’t want to trade away Rantanen, but they’re going to have to open the pocket books pretty wide to seal a deal.

Rantanen has played in 46 games this season and has a team-best 25 goals along with 37 assists for 62 total points