If you’re an avid NHL fan, you might be aware of all the news surrounding the mid-season. Indeed, a surprising three-way trade occurred between the Colorado Avalanche, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Chicago Blackhawks. And guess who got traded from the Aves to the Canes? It was Mikko Rantanen, who was one of the top scorers for Colorado in the current season.

Many first doubted the move from the Aves, as they lost their star forward in the trade. However, as a lot of time has passed since then, questions are piling up about Rantanen’s NHL future. Indeed, leaving the Aves was even a surprise for him, and with his contract coming to an end by the current campaign, his future is looking in trouble if the Canes don’t offer him a contract before the off-season. Pointing this issue out, a certain retired NHL star shared his thoughts, as he also thinks this trade was a career risk for the Finnish ice hockey player.

Now let’s give you a recap on Mikko Rantanen’s contract with the Colorado Avalanche. On September 28, 2019, he signed his current contract that would last for six years and was a $55.5 million deal, with an AAV of $9.25 million. Since then, Rantanen matured a lot as a player and became a vital part of the Aves’ primary roster. Indeed, every season he has played well and even won his career-first Stanley Cup with Colorado back in 2022.

After dedicating many years to the Aves, he was finally traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, leaving his NHL future uncertain. Indeed, the Canes haven’t offered him any deal yet, so the fans are just concerned about his future. Focusing on this trade, retired NHL star Paul Bissonnette spoke up, as reported by B/R Open Ice on X, stating, “I think this is a huge risk for Rantanen and what he did. And he was caught off guard and so was his agent. I think that they had all the control in the world where they could have went to Colorado and maybe he wouldn’t have got what he got in free agency.”

Indeed, Bissonette pointed all of his fingers towards Rantanen and his agent, who would’ve made a better decision before the trade even happened. The NHL world is aware of the fact that since the Finnish ice hockey player was performing on a constant level, he did want a raise in his contract by the end of the season. However, whatever happened at the Aves HQ is still not disclosed, which has left many, and even Rantanen, shocked by this trade. 

“Maybe he wouldn’t have got the 13, 13 and a half. But I bet you if he went away and said, I want to make 100 grand less than what Nathan MacKinnon’s making, I guarantee they would have handed that over. They were willing to make him the highest-paid winger in the league. Now that’s going to change this summer,” said the former NHL star. Rantanen might’ve wanted that AAV of $9.25 million to exceed $13 million or $13.5 million, but as per Bissonette, if the former Aves forward hadn’t bothered to challenge Nathan MacKinnon’s contract, then he might have already signed a contract extension with the team.

Indeed, Rantanen took a significant risk that now threatens his future on the NHL’s ice rink. Both MacKinnon’s and Rantanen’s status on the ice are at the top level in the NHL. However, everything comes down to the Aves’ management to decide which player they really want to keep and extend their relationship with. Losing Rantanen will surely affect Colorado, but they still have a star-studded lineup that can make them reach the playoffs. However, with Rantanen’s future in line, there’s a new rumor that has come up in the community.

A new trade rumor surrounding Mikko Rantanen

Literally, no one expected that Mikko Rantanen would be moving away from the Colorado Avalanche after all those years of glory with the team. However, since it happened, the NHL community got into a frenzy. “Dude, this sucks, and this shouldn’t have ever happened! As a die-hard fan, we will surely miss you! Thanks for the Stanley Cup! That wouldn’t have happened without you! Good luck, Moooooose!” Comments like this surfaced from fans who have watched Rantanen play in the Aves’ sweater.

For the rest of the 2024-25 season, the Finnish ice hockey star might want to look forward to playing the playoffs with the Canes. However, since he hasn’t received any contract yet, the rumors are suggesting that he might move to a new team. And which squad is that? It’s the Edmonton Oilers. Indeed, it might sound weird, but in the NHL nothing is impossible when it comes to surprising trades. But who will he be replacing in the Oilers?

Indeed, as per the community, it might be Connor McDavid. The current captain of the Oilers has been on the team since the 2015 NHL draft. Since then, he has seen the team’s ups and downs, but the #97 hasn’t had an opportunity to lift that Stanley Cup yet. And with the ever-changing landscape of the NHL, McDavid might consider moving to a team where he can secure the trophy.