Mikko Rantanen moves closer to a huge payday after stellar performance against the Golden Knights
Photo credit: Boulder Daily Camera
The Colorado Avalanche opened their season against the Vegas Golden Knights and in a lopsided affair, the one bright and possibly expensive start was Mikko Rantanen.
The Avalanche had a difficult game against the Golden Knights in Las Vegas last night to open their season. But one player showed the team why he deserves that large contract extension.
Mikko Rantanen scored this NHL seasons first hat-trick and the eighth of his career.
Even with his three goals, the Avalanche were not able to come close to winning this lopsided 8-4 loss. His goals were very impressive, sniping his first goal all alone by the goalie, to a one-timer from Cale Makar. The Avalanche showed some great passing to dish the puck to Rantanen, leading to his third goal of the game.
Rantanen is still under contract for this season at $9.25 million annually. He has expressed interest in wanting to stay with the team this off-season.
As an unrestricted free agent after this season, Rantanen and the Avalanche are looking to come to some terms to keep him in Colorado. When asked about it, GM Chris MacFarland said on Tuesday they are not concerned.
«No concern about it going into the season; these are not easy deals to do. The player obviously has the UFA right to go, and the club has to make smart decisions, both for the short term and the long term.»
We will see how the season plays out and if the Avalanche decide to lock down Rantanen before he can test the waters of free agency.
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