Report: Avs' Mikko Rantanen Shuts Down Contract Talks Eyeing Huge Payday

Mikko Rantanen’s season is off to an impressive start, but behind the scenes, his contract situation with the Colorado Avalanche has hit a roadblock.

After scoring a hat trick in the team's season-opening 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, it was reported that the Finnish forward has made a decision regarding his ongoing contract talks for an extension with the Avs.

If true, Rantanen's move leaves the Avalanche in a tricky spot as they face the possibility of losing one of their star players to free agency or trading him before the deadline if there is no agreement in sight come March.

According to Adrian Dater's report on his personal substack report , Rantanen, who is in the final year of his $9.25 million contract, has decided to close the door on negotiations during the regular season and shut down extension talks.

Dater revealed that while talks took place over the summer and into the fall, both sides failed to reach an agreement, via Pro Hockey Rumors . As a result, Rantanen’s focus is now on leveraging his performance this season for a much larger deal next summer.

“If Rantanen’s camp, in fact, does not entertain any extension talks during the regular season, that means it’s possible the Avs could lose him to unrestricted free agency next July 1st," NHL Trade Talk quoted Dater writing . "If the Avs think it’s unlikely he’d come to terms on a new deal, he could become trade bait to another team by the NHL trade deadline of March 7th, 2025.”

With comparisons being drawn to other star players like Leon Draisaitl, who secured a $14-million-per-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers during the offseason, Rantanen could be eyeing a similar number.

Dater’s sources indicate the Avalanche may need to offer an eight-year deal worth around $13 million annually to keep the 27-year-old, who is coming off back-to-back 100-point seasons.

It's unknown whether or not the franchise is willing to go that far, however, considering the Avs' are already paying $12.6 million per season on an eight-year, $100.8 million contract to Nathan MacKinnon.

Related: Report: Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen Could Approach Record Contract