Before trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Colorado Avalanche reportedly offered a final eight-year contract offer to the forward.
This was suggested by Sportsnet hockey expert Elliotte Friedman on Saturday.
He said the Avs proposed an agreement that would have allowed Rantanen to receive $11.75 million annually for the next eight campaigns.
• Also read: The idea of acquiring Rantanen was not new to the Hurricanes
• Also read: “He deserves to be a free agent”: Avalanche GM does not regret trading Rantanen
-By accepting, the 28-year-old Finn would have become the highest-paid winger in the entire National League. Currently, New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin makes the most money, earning $11.64 million per year.
It appears the Avalanche weren’t willing to offer more to Rantanen than center Nathan MacKinnon. Number 29 earns $12.6 million per season.
Ultimately, the proposal from the Colorado staff was not sufficient for those who could benefit from complete autonomy next summer. The Avalanche therefore traded him to the Hurricanes in a three-team trade also involving the Chicago Blackhawks.
