NHL Rumors: Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen believes he can land $14M AAV contract on open market, per insider

By ARJUN B

Modified Nov 29, 2024 03:47 GMT

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Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen believes he can command a $14 million average annual salary on the open market, according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun. Rantanen is in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract.

LeBrun reported on Insider Trading that Rantanen and his agent think the player is worth as much as Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl, who will make $14 million per season on his new contract extension starting next year. Draisaitl's deal is currently the highest in the NHL.

"I'll tell you right now I think Rantanen believes he can make 14 million on the open market," said LeBrun.

The Avalanche may not be willing to go that high for Rantanen, though, considering they have captain Nathan MacKinnon locked up long-term at $12.6 million per season.

“I don't think will be easy, and the reason for that is, I think both the Avalanche with Nathan MacKinnon at $12.6 million a year and the Leafs with captain Austin Matthews at 13.25 million a year certainly have sort of an internal cap there that I believe has been or will be cited in negotiations with Rantanen and Marner, respectively.”

LeBrun noted that Rantanen's camp will likely argue that the salary cap landscape in the NHL has changed significantly since the extensions were respectively signed by MacKinnon and Matthews. With the cap projected to rise substantially in coming years, top players should be paid accordingly.

It's also unclear whether Colorado will give in to Rantanen’s demands or if the winger will test free agency in July.

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NHL analyst Anson Carter proposes Mikko Rantanen-Mitch Marner trade

NHL analyst Anson Carter proposed a potential trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche, swapping wingers Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen. On TSN, Carter explained his rationale behind the suggested deal.

"Okay, Marner, you're not going to make more than Nathan McKinnon, and if there's a internal capital, McKinnon, you know, Rantanen is looking for more money," Carter said.

"So if that's what's holding up his deal, maybe you swing Marner over to Colorado, then you move ransom over to Toronto, because you could theoretically pay Rantanen more than you can Austin Matthews."

Carter speculates that Colorado may be hesitant to pay Mikko Rantanen more than MacKinnon. In contrast, Toronto could offer Rantanen a higher salary than Auston Matthews.

By trading Marner for Rantanen, Carter argues that both teams could resolve their respective contract situations.