Former Colorado Avalanche Mikko Rantanen could be on the move again this season, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos believes.
In his Real Kyper’s Trade Board, Kypreos placed Rantanen atop the list. That’s a curious placement as Rantanen has already been part of a major trade this season.
Kypreos justifies his assessment by stating that the Carolina Hurricanes may be inclined to move Rantanen if they feel the team cannot sign him to a long-term extension. In essence, the Canes are looking to avoid what happened to them last season when they traded for Jake Guentzel and ended up losing him for nothing.
So, that situation means Rantanen has roughly a month to make up his mind. But just because he has a month to make up his mind, it doesn’t mean the Hurricanes aren’t already shopping Rantanen around. Given that half of Rantanen’s cap hit is being retained by the Chicago Blackhawks, plenty of teams could make offers on the star winger.
But then again, the Hurricanes will not recoup what they spent to get him. Rantanen cost Carolina Martin Necas and two draft picks.
That is hardly the return they can expect to get if they flip Rantanen at this point in the season. Perhaps the Avalanche and Hurricanes can work out a deal that sends Rantanen back to Colorado. While comical, stranger things have happened in the NHL.
Could Rantanen still sign with Colorado Avalanche in offseason?
Regardless of whether the Hurricanes keep or trade Rantanen this season, could he still sign with the Avalanche?
The short answer is yes. Once Rantanen officially becomes a free agent, he is able to sign with any team he chooses, including the Colorado Avalanche.
The long answer is much more complicated.
While technically not against the rules, the Avalanche re-signing Rantanen after trading him would seem suspicious. Such a move could potentially trigger an investigation into collusion.
In other words, a team like the Hurricanes could accuse the Avs of setting up a deal in which they make the trade with Carolina knowing full well that Rantanen was going to sign with them anyway. The Avalanche would have to prove they made the deal in good faith while Rantanen will also need to show he acted honestly.
Technicalities aside, it’s an interesting thought to ponder. What if Rantanen realizes that the grass isn’t greener on the other side and chooses to “come home?”
Would the Avalanche faithful welcome him back?
More importantly, could the Avs afford to pay Rantanen what he wants?
In my estimation, this scenario could very well play out, especially if Rantanen doesn’t get the offers he wants, from the teams he wants.
The deal may take a while to materialize, but it could happen. I’m not saying it’s something that will happen, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on.