Avalanche have ‘no concern’ about Rantanen contract, GM says

Mikko Rantanen is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, but the Colorado Avalanche aren’t

overly concerned about re-signing their star forward just yet.

General Manager Chris MacFarland addressed the situation on Tuesday, saying, “No concerns heading into the

season; these deals are rarely straightforward. The player, of course, has the right to become a UFA, and the team

has to make wise choices for both the short and long term.”

Rantanen, selected by Colorado as the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, had an impressive 2023-24 season,

finishing second on the team with 104 points (42 goals, 62 assists) in 80 games. He also contributed 14 points (4

goals, 10 assists) in 11 playoff games.

Entering the final year of his six-year contract signed in 2019, Rantanen, who turns 28 on Oct. 29, played a key role

in Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, recording 25 points (5 goals, 20 assists) in 20 postseason games. Over his

career, he has tallied 617 points (262 goals, 355 assists) in 570 regular-season games and 101 points (34 goals, 67

assists) in 81 playoff appearances.

As the Avalanche prepare for their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, Rantanen

remains focused on his performance. “There are talks with my camp and the front office, and it’s done when it’s

done,” he said during training camp. “Business takes care of itself, and my job is to help my team win. That’s my

focus.”

With captain Gabriel Landeskog still recovering from multiple knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in May

2023, and forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended until at least November, Colorado will lean heavily on Rantanen

and center Nathan MacKinnon in the early part of the season. MacKinnon, who won the Hart Trophy last season

after a career-high 140 points, is expected to be a key leader alongside Rantanen.

MacFarland acknowledged the challenge of missing several key players, saying, “We’ve done a lot of winning in

recent years—three straight 50-win seasons. That’s tough. With Landeskog, Val, and Lehkonen out, it’s going to be a

challenge early on, but we have faith in the guys we have.”

Despite managing a team with several uncertainties, MacFarland is optimistic about keeping open communication

lines. He recently signed forward Logan O’Connor to a six-year deal, and remains in regular contact with Rantanen’s

representatives. “When there’s news, it happens. O’Connor’s deal came together quickly. We’ve got other UFAs, too.

My phone’s always on, and I know Mikko’s camp is always available,” MacFarland said.

In addition to Rantanen, goalie Alexandar Georgiev is also entering the final year of his three-year contract and can

become a free agent after the season. Georgiev had a solid 2023-24 campaign, posting a 38-18-5 record with a 3.02

goals-against average and .897 save percentage in 63 games. MacFarland is hopeful Georgiev will start the season

strong, stating, “We’re just excited to get going, and if Georgiev performs well, the rest will take care of itself.”