Another round of NHL rumors is about to begin. Even though the off-season is already in full swing, there is still plenty of material for rumors to circulate. The end of the 2024–2025 season will mark the signing of some enormous contracts. Already, general managers are attempting to move ahead of schedule and close certain agreements. On July 1, 2025, a top-tier player for the Colorado Avalanche might become a free agent. The status of a deal for one of their best centers is the topic of discussion in this edition of NHL rumours.
Update on the Colorado Avalanche Center Contract Rumor: Elliotte Friedman talked about the situation of Mikko Rantanen’s new contract in a summer episode of 32 Thoughts. At season’s end, the Finnish forward becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Analysis: Rantanen is currently in the last year of a contract that pays him $9.25 million annually. The Avalanche’s assault relies heavily on the 27-year-old, who should command a sizable rise. It is almost a given that he will receive more than $10 million.
When so much money is invested in one athlete, there is always reason for fear. The left-handed shot appears to be well worth the effort, though. Rantanen is essentially expected to score at least 40 goals, having recorded a career-high 55 goals in 2022–2023.
Friedman went on to say that according to his sources, there is hope for a successful agreement. If Colorado has any say in the matter, it doesn’t appear like Rantanen will be able to find employment on the open market.
The Contracting Industry
If general managers go on the free market, they will face some formidable competition. Players like Rantanen, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and standout player Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers are just a few names that might drastically alter a team’s fate if they arrive at July 1 unsigned.
Friedman did note that teams are beginning to remove Rantanen and Draisaitl from their rosters. It appears likely that both players will sign deals to stay with their present teams. Crosby is probably going to stay in the Steel City as well. Still, idle dreamers can’t write anything down until they put pen to paper.
There are several big contracts on the books for Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland, including those of Devon Toews, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon. Rantanen appears to be staying in the Rocky Mountains, though.
X-Factors
Regarding the elements that could comprise a Rantanen contract, there might be a few unanswered questions. The future remains unknown for Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog as he attempts to recover from an injury. Pay for the Swede will remain at $7 million until the 2027–2028 season. Although Landeskog’s salary may be placed on long-term injured reserve, one hopes he can make a comeback.
Additionally, Valeri Nichushkin, a participant in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, has an uncertain future. The Russian player’s cap hit is set at $6.125 million until the 2027–2028 season. Until MacFarland decides what to do next, he wants to see if Nichushkin can recover.
When everything is resolved, one wonders if he’ll be moved. Colorado may be able to shift that challenging contract, which would give Rantanen more money. Still, doing that will be a difficult task.
According to Friedman, Rantanen’s decision to resign in Denver seems all but certain. The exact cap amount is still up in the air, though.
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