Mikko Rantanen in the wild rumor mill

Canadian media Sportsnet Nick Kypreos writethat Mikko Rantanen has reportedly turned down an eight-year, $90 million contract extension offer from the Colorado Avalanche.

Rantanen, 28,’s current contract expires next summer, when the Nousiainen man will become an unrestricted free agent.

However, according to Kypreos, the situation may take a turn before then, because the parties are so far apart in the negotiations. The ex-player says that Rantanen wants a million or even two million more than what Colorado has offered him so far.

The assessment is probably correct, because The Fourth Period website David Pagnotta and TSN Pierre LeBrun have previously said that the Finnish star is seeking 14 million dollars for the season.

The cap hit figure for the last year of Rantanen’s expiring six-year deal is 9.25 million.

Could a deal happen?

Kypreos predicts that without a quick deal, Colorado will be ready to trade its superstar before the March 7 NHL trade deadline. The man says that there have already been inquiries from three clubs, but the Stanley Cup champion club of the second season has so far rejected the offers in the hope of still getting the name on paper.

Reporter for TVA Sports Renaud Lavoie has stated that he believes that Rantanen will be traded during the current season.

by The Hockey News Adam Proteau on the other hand, despite all the speculation, considers the pattern unlikely.

Proteau justifies his view, among other things, by the fact that if Colorado’s GM Chris MacFarland was seriously worried about Rantanen’s continuation, he would not have given the goalkeeper to Mackenzie Blackwood at the turn of the year, a five-year and more than $26 million contract.

Rantanen has scored 25+36 in 45 matches this season. At the current pace, the 100 power point mark will be broken for the third time in the man’s NHL career.