Mikko Rantanen, one of the Colorado Avalanche’s star forwards, is set to hit free agency next summer, and his future with the team is uncertain. The 28-year-old right winger has become one of the league’s top players, leading the Avalanche in scoring during their 2022 Stanley Cup run and hitting the 100-point mark in each of the last two seasons. As his current deal expires next July, Rantanen will be in line for a lucrative contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL. The big question is whether the Avalanche can afford to keep him while also retaining their core of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Rantanen has expressed a desire to stay with the team that drafted him 10th overall in 2015, but contract negotiations have not yet resulted in a deal. His representatives have been unable to agree on terms with Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, and Rantanen’s strategy may mirror that of other top players, such as Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. By waiting until after the 2023-24 season, Rantanen can assess the impact of the salary cap increase, which is projected to rise from $88 million to $92.5 million for the 2025-26 season. This increase will likely affect his potential earnings, with Rantanen expected to demand a contract comparable to or even exceeding MacKinnon’s $12.6-million per-season cap hit.
The Avalanche’s financial situation is complicated by other factors, including Makar’s contract situation and the uncertainty surrounding captain Gabriel Landeskog’s return. Makar’s contract is up in 2027, and his future salary will likely be a significant factor in the team’s long-term plans. Meanwhile, Landeskog, currently on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), still has four years left on his contract at $7 million annually. This complicates the Avalanche’s ability to make room for Rantanen’s potential new deal, especially if they want to maintain a competitive roster.
MacFarland may attempt to negotiate a deal that allows Rantanen to stay in Colorado without breaking the bank. The team could explore options such as deferred money, as seen in recent deals for players like Carolina’s Seth Jarvis and Toronto’s Jake McCabe. Another option could be persuading Rantanen to take a hometown discount, which would help alleviate some of the financial strain on the team. However, with MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen potentially all commanding more than $12 million per season, the Avalanche may find it challenging to keep their core intact while remaining financially viable.
Ultimately, the Avalanche face a difficult decision. If they want to stay competitive in the years ahead, they will need to find a way to balance their salary cap while keeping Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Makar. The coming months will be crucial for the team as they navigate these complex negotiations and determine how best to structure their roster for the future.
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