This summer, Mikko Rantanen to the Edmonton Oilers? According to an NHL insider, it will occur.

The NHL offseason is often a time for speculation, with rumors swirling around potential trades, signings, and moves that could shake up the league. One of the most recent and intriguing rumors to emerge centers around Mikko Rantanen, the star forward of the Colorado Avalanche. According to a well-known NHL insider, Rantanen could be making a significant move this summer, potentially joining the Edmonton Oilers in a blockbuster trade. While this is far from a done deal, the prospect of such a move has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, as it would have major ramifications for both the Oilers and the league as a whole.

Rantanen, a Finnish winger known for his size, skill, and goal-scoring ability, has been one of the cornerstones of the Avalanche’s success in recent years. His partnership with Nathan MacKinnon has been a key component of Colorado’s offensive juggernaut. However, recent whispers suggest that the Oilers might be in line to acquire Rantanen this summer, and NHL insiders are starting to believe it could be a reality.

In this article, we’ll delve into the speculation surrounding Rantanen’s potential move to Edmonton, explore how such a move would impact the Oilers’ roster, and analyze the broader implications for both teams and the NHL. Could the Oilers land the Finnish star? Let’s break down the rumors and explore the potential of Mikko Rantanen joining the Edmonton Oilers this summer.

Rantanen’s Stellar Career in Colorado

Before diving into the potential trade scenario, it’s essential to understand Mikko Rantanen’s current role with the Colorado Avalanche. Since being drafted by the Avalanche in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft (10th overall), Rantanen has developed into one of the league’s most dynamic and reliable forwards.

At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Rantanen combines his impressive size with exceptional skill. Known for his strong shot, excellent playmaking ability, and hockey IQ, Rantanen has consistently been among the league’s top point producers. Alongside MacKinnon, he has formed one of the most dangerous duos in the NHL, leading Colorado’s offense and helping the team reach new heights in recent years.

Rantanen’s offensive production has been consistent since his rookie season. As of the 2024-2025 season, he has accumulated over 500 points in his career, including multiple seasons of 80 or more points. His goal-scoring ability is particularly notable, as he’s averaged over 30 goals per season during his prime years. Furthermore, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates has made him an elite playmaker, capable of setting up scoring chances in a variety of ways.

Rantanen has been an integral part of the Avalanche’s success, including their 2022 Stanley Cup championship run. He’s the type of player any team would love to have, especially one looking to make a deep playoff push. However, despite his importance to the team, recent rumors suggest that the Avalanche might be open to trading him, leading to speculation about a potential move to the Edmonton Oilers.

The Rumors: An NHL Insider’s Bold Prediction

The speculation surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s potential trade to the Edmonton Oilers began when a respected NHL insider made a bold statement this past week. According to the insider, the Oilers are positioned to acquire Rantanen this summer in a move that would be a game-changer for the team.

While insider reports are often based on rumors and sources, the insider’s credibility has added weight to the discussion. This source, who has a strong track record of predicting major NHL moves, stated that the Oilers are keen on adding another top-six forward to their already impressive lineup, and Rantanen could be the perfect fit. The combination of Rantanen’s skill, size, and scoring ability makes him an ideal complement to the Oilers’ core of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and other key players.

The possibility of acquiring Rantanen would fill a gap on the Oilers’ roster, as they’ve long been in search of a reliable winger to support their two superstars. While the Oilers have made strides in recent seasons, particularly with their dynamic first line, their secondary scoring and depth have often been areas of concern in playoff situations. Adding Rantanen to the mix would bolster the Oilers’ forward depth, providing them with another elite player capable of making an immediate impact.

According to the insider, the Oilers are expected to be aggressive in pursuing Rantanen, who is rumored to be available for the right price. The Avalanche, despite being a perennial Stanley Cup contender, may be facing salary cap challenges and could look to move some high-priced assets in the offseason. With Rantanen’s contract still carrying a significant cap hit, the Oilers may be well-positioned to take advantage of the situation and acquire the Finnish winger.

How Rantanen Fits into the Oilers’ System

If the Edmonton Oilers were to land Mikko Rantanen this summer, it would have a profound effect on the team’s roster and overall structure. Currently, the Oilers are built around two of the best players in the world—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—but their success in recent seasons has been somewhat hampered by inconsistencies in their supporting cast. While the Oilers boast elite talent at the top of their lineup, their depth has often been tested in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs.

Adding Rantanen to the mix would provide a significant upgrade to the Oilers’ forward group. Rantanen could slot in alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, giving the Oilers a second superstar line that would be nearly impossible for opposing teams to shut down. Given Rantanen’s ability to play on both wings, he could complement either of the Oilers’ top centers, providing the team with flexibility in their lineup construction.

If Rantanen were to play alongside McDavid, it could form a dynamic duo that would terrorize opposing defenses. McDavid’s speed and vision combined with Rantanen’s size and shot would create an overwhelming offensive threat that few teams could contain. On the other hand, pairing Rantanen with Draisaitl could create another dangerous line that would keep opposing coaches up at night trying to find a solution to both threats.

Moreover, Rantanen’s two-way game and physicality would give the Oilers more balance and grit, an aspect of their game that has often been criticized in recent seasons. Rantanen is not just a skilled scorer; he also brings a physical edge and a strong defensive presence to the table. His ability to protect the puck and cycle along the boards would complement the Oilers’ speed and skill, giving them more versatility in their attack.

In terms of special teams, Rantanen would be a significant asset to the Oilers’ power play. His right-handed shot would give the team an added dimension on the man advantage, and his ability to create space and distribute the puck would make Edmonton’s power play even more dangerous. With McDavid and Draisaitl already drawing attention on the ice, Rantanen would be able to exploit the gaps left by defenders, providing a potent scoring threat in the offensive zone.

Potential Trade Scenarios

While the prospect of Mikko Rantanen joining the Edmonton Oilers sounds tantalizing, any potential deal would be complicated by salary cap constraints and the need for the Avalanche to make significant concessions. Rantanen, who carries a cap hit of $9.25 million through the 2025-2026 season, is a high-priced asset, and the Oilers would need to make sure they have the cap space to accommodate his salary.

The Oilers would likely need to offload some salary to make room for Rantanen, and that could mean parting with players like Warren Foegele, Tyson Barrie, or even a top prospect. The Avalanche may also be looking for draft picks and young players as part of a package deal, as they try to balance their roster and manage their own cap situation.

However, if the Oilers were able to pull off such a trade, it would significantly elevate their chances of competing for a Stanley Cup. Adding Rantanen to the fold would give the team another top-tier offensive weapon, improving their chances of sustaining offensive pressure throughout a playoff series. It would also allow McDavid and Draisaitl to focus on creating scoring opportunities without having to carry the offensive load on their own.

Implications for the Colorado Avalanche

For the Colorado Avalanche, moving Rantanen would be a difficult decision, especially considering his integral role in the team’s offensive success. However, the reality of the NHL salary cap system means that difficult decisions have to be made from time to time. Trading Rantanen could allow the Avalanche to free up cap space to address other areas of need, such as bolstering their defense or adding depth to their bottom six.

Should the Avalanche trade Rantanen to the Oilers, they would likely seek a combination of assets in return, including young players, prospects, and draft picks. The Avalanche have a solid core in place, but the cap crunch could push them to make tough choices. The trade would also signal the beginning of a new chapter for Colorado, as they transition away from relying heavily on their top stars and focus on maintaining a balanced, sustainable roster.