The Colorado Avalanche face a contract negotiation challenge with Mikko Rantanen, as the star winger seeks a deal matching Leon Draisaitl’s $14-million annual cap hit, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli on Thursday’s Amazon “Coast to Coast” broadcast.
The team prefers a figure closer to Nathan MacKinnon‘s $12.6-million annual salary, creating a $1.4-million gap between the sides.
Rantanen, a pending unrestricted free agent on July 1, won’t be traded even if unsigned by the March deadline. Negotiations will resume during the 4 Nations Face-Off break in February.
The 27-year-old Finnish winger ranks sixth in NHL scoring with 61 points in 45 games this season.
Since signing his current $9.25-million contract in 2019-20, Rantanen has produced 469 points in 376 games, ranking ninth league-wide during that span.
“We’re committed to getting something done with Mikko,” Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland told reporters last week. “He’s been an integral part of our success.”
Rantanen, selected 10th overall by Colorado in 2015, played a key role in the team’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, recording 25 points in that playoff run.
He’s one of Finland’s first six players named to the 4 Nations Face-Off roster, where he’ll likely serve as their primary offensive threat.
The Avalanche currently sit second in the Central Division with a 28-12-3 record.
