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Avalanche's $55.5 million star Mikko Rantanen addresses his future with franchise entering contract year
Colorado Avalanche star forward Mikko Rantanen has addressed his future with the team. Rantanen is entering the final year of his six-year, $55.5 million deal with the team.
Rantanen was eligible to sign an extension as of July 1, but that hasn't happened. As he enters the final year of his deal, the Finnish forward said Thursday there have been talks and his goal is to remain an Alavanche.
“I think there’s been talks with my camp and the front office. It’s done when it’s done,” Rantanen told Denver Post. “Business will take care of itself. I’m just here to play hockey and get ready for another season and try to help my team win. That’s my goal. My job is to try and help this team win.”
Rantanen has been a key member of the Avalanche's roster for years and was a key part of the team winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Last season with Colorado, Rantanen skated in 80 games, recording 42 goals and 62 assists for 104 points. It was his second straight season where he has put up 100+ points.
With Rantanen only making $9.25 million per season, he will be in for a hefty raise, especially after Leon Draisaitl signed for $14 million per season. However, Rantanen isn't sure he is that good and deserves that much.
“I guess that’s where the league is going, I would say,” Rantanen said of Draisaitl’s deal. “I am happy for him. I don’t know him that well. I met him a couple of times, but it is well-deserved for sure. He’s an unreal player.”
Mikko Rantanen has been with the Avalanche since the team selected him 10th overall in the 2015 NHL draft.
Avalanche coach expects Mikko Rantanen to put contract talks to the side
Although Mikko Rantanen has one year left on his deal, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has said he isn't concerned that it will impact the star forward.
Instead, Bednar believes Rantanen will just focus on his game and the team, as he knows a deal will get done eventually.
“I’ve talked to Mikko and I know Mikko. He’s focused on having a good year,” Bednar said. “He knows the impact he has to make on our team. He had a good summer of training. I can’t say it’s not going to be in the back of his mind, but the reality of it is, it could happen at some point or it could take a while. It’s hard to say.”
Ultimately, Rantanen has made it clear that he wants to remain an Avalanche and help the team win another Stanley Cup.
“I kind of want to let it handle itself,” Rantanen said. “I like the team. I like the city. We won the Stanley Cup here. Why would I want to leave? That’s the only thing I want to say about it. But we’ll see. It’s done when it’s done.”
Mikko Rantanen has skated in 570 games, recording 262 goals and 355 assists for 617 points.
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