Mikko Rantanen and the Colorado Avalanche are back to contract talks. This is reported by David Pagnotta on Twitter, who stated “I don't get the sense anything's close just yet, but the convos are continuing." This comes after rumors that the two sides hadn't talked at all over the summer. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is confident that the restricted free agent will be staying in Colorado, and that he and Rantanen “see eye to eye on a very important part of the negotiations.”
Rantanen has made it clear that he wishes to stay with the Avs. With Mitch Marner not yet having a contract, many RFAs are still out there waiting for the bar to be set. Rantanen is reportedly seeking a contract for at least six years with an AAV of over $10M, a little rich for the Avs. The front office is on board with a long term deal, but will likely be aiming at an AAV closer to $9M.
With training camp opening next week, pressure is on both sides to get a deal done. Neither player nor team want Rantanen missing any of the regular season.
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