Mikko Rantanen’s contract talks with the Avalanche remain challenging (Photo by Tyler Tate/Getty Images)
Every time Mikko Rantanen touches the ice and produces either multiple goals or points for the Colorado Avalanche, the value for his next contract only rises on the free-agent market. Many expected the Avalanche and Rantanen to have a contract extension in place already.
However, there is a long road ahead for both parties to get a deal done. According to a well-placed source, this is a tough negotiation for general manager Chris MacFarland initially thought it would be.
"This is a tough one for sure," the source told RG. "Many inside that organization thought this deal would have been done already. Both parties continue to work at making progress on a new deal.”
Mikko Rantanen is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He was eligible to sign a new deal on July 1, 2024, but that deal did not happen. Some thought the deal might have been done before the start of the new season, but the Leon Draisaitl extension changed the playing field.
Drasaitl vs MacKinnon
Draisailt is making $14 million, and based on his numbers and his role with Connor McDavid, he deserved that number. Mikko Rantanen in Colorado wants the same AAV, if not higher, because of his impact on the team and point totals.
"He's an elite winger in this game. His point totals and the impact that he has on a lineup speaks for itself," the source said.
According to reports, the Avalanche do not want to exceed Nathan MacKinnon's AAV of $12.6 million. MacKinnon signed right before the season started, as he was in the same situation as Rantanen. However, Colorado wants to remain competitive and win, which has put general manager Chris MacFarland in a tough balancing act.
"They have to be mindful in terms of putting together a team that does not only have this high-end talent, but deep enough to be able to win,” the source said. "If you're not deep enough and can't win, that's the challenge."
Trade Deadline Approach
Going to the signing deadline with Rantanen is nothing new for the Avalanche. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played in three years, signed his contract 12 hours before the Avalanche lost their negotiating rights. A similar situation could play out here with Rantanen.
"Both parties are certainly going to keep at it," the source said.
"These are not easy deals to do. This deal will likely go down to the last minute. Until this deal is complete, trade speculation and his future with the organization will continue."
As far as the trade rumors surrounding Rantanen and that he could be traded if he is not traded by the March 7th deadline, the source indicated the Avalanche have no appetite for trading him because they know how valuable he is to the organization.
"Why would the Avalanche want to deplete their organization when they are in win-now mode," the source said. "Colorado wants to keep him, but it will come down to the last minute."
Jim Biringer
