Many analysts were saying throughout the summer that Mitch Marner's new deal with Toronto, when it came, would set the market for several other restricted free agents. Well, Marner has signed a new deal worth $65.36 million over six years, but there's word Colorado has no interest in having that impact talks with RFA Mikko Rantanen.
According to Adrian Dater with Colorado Hockey Now, the Avs will not be reacting off of Marner's $10.9 million AAV, and it won't influence how they do business with Rantanen.
It seems a bit odd that Marner's signing would have no impact at all on negotiations with Rantanen. Both players are wingers and stars-in-the-making for their teams. Both have similar career trajectories as well, with Marner scoring 224 points in 241 career games, while Rantanen has 209 points in 239 games.
While Rantanen remains unsigned, Colorado is sitting comfortably when it comes to cap space, with more than $15.5 million. Obviously they want as much left as possible to hep strengthen the team now or in the future, but should have no issue locking up Rantanen to at least a bridge deal, if not a long-term one.
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