The Colorado Avalanche have had the most challenging start to the 2024/25 season, and now a contract issue with Mikko Rantanen threatens to further divide the locker room.
After four games, the Avalanche are sitting at 0-4-0, placing them at the bottom of the NHL standings—a position no one expected for this talented team. Despite facing several injuries, they still boast stars like Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen, but they have struggled to find their chemistry this season.
The team’s most pressing issue right now is their goaltending, with Alexandar Georgiev struggling to maintain an .803 save percentage and a goals-against average (GAA) of 5.79, making them the least effective in the NHL. On top of this, another challenge looms as Mikko Rantanen and the front office are reportedly at a standstill in contract talks. The team is hesitant to offer an average annual value (AAV) close to Nathan MacKinnon’s $ 12.6 million, while Rantanen is seeking a deal that aligns more with that amount
Star winger Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche seem far from reaching a contract extension. There’s a prevailing sentiment that the Avs are hesitant to match his average salary with Nathan MacKinnon’s $ 12.6 million (U.S.) right now. Additionally, they want more clarity on captain Gabriel Landeskog’s health and future before determining how much they should offer to keep Rantanen
A Maple Leafs star, a frustrated fan base and an uncertain future.
Despite the continued reminders Mitch Marner provides of his world-class talent, the star winger’s future in Toronto beyond this season remains in question.#Opinion by @RealKyper https://t.co/TD0yUtlphr
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) October 17, 2024
According to reporter Nick Kypreos at the Toronto Star, with tensions running high in the locker room, Mikko Rantanen’s contract situation—especially not receiving a salary similar to MacKinnon’s—could escalate into a larger issue, given the team’s uncertain future. Rantanen is set to become a UFA after this season, and unless the Avalanche can quickly turn their performance around, he may explore free agency. If the struggles persist, a trade could be a strong possibility. For now, Colorado’s outlook remains quite unclear.
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