Report: Rantanen’s Potential Earnings on Open Market
Colorado Avalanche standout Mikko Rantanen is eyeing a potential $14 million average annual value if he explores free agency next year, as reported by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on “Insider Trading.” However, there’s a strong chance that Rantanen and the Avalanche will hammer out an extension deal before he hits the open market. When asked during training camp, Rantanen expressed his desire to remain in Denver.
For context, Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl currently holds the title as the league’s top earner at $14 million per year. This places him above Auston Matthews at $13.25 million and Nathan MacKinnon at $12.6 million. Rantanen, who is finalizing a six-year contract paying him $9.25 million annually, has proven his worth on the ice with an impressive 440 points in 354 games under his belt.
Recent reports suggested a significant $9 million jump in the NHL’s salary cap for the upcoming season, but Commissioner Gary Bettman has refuted this projection. Regardless, Rantanen’s stellar performance continues to highlight his value, especially as he shines this season with 32 points in just 23 games.
Originally selected by the Avalanche as the 10th overall pick in 2015, Rantanen, who is now 28 years old, is definitely on the rise in the world of professional hockey. Stay tuned to see where his career trajectory takes him next.
