NHL analyst adds credibility to rumours of Mikko Rantanen joining Edmonton Oilers

In the fast-paced and unpredictable world of NHL rumors, there are few names that have generated as much speculation over the past few months as Mikko Rantanen. The Finnish forward, currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche, has been linked to several teams, but the Edmonton Oilers have consistently emerged as one of the most talked-about destinations. Recently, an NHL analyst has added even more credibility to the rumours, suggesting that Rantanen could indeed be heading to Edmonton in the near future. With the Oilers looking to strengthen their roster for a Stanley Cup push, this potential move could be a game-changer for the team.

In this article, we will explore the implications of the potential Rantanen-to-Oilers move, how credible the rumours are, and what it would mean for both the Oilers and Rantanen’s career.

Mikko Rantanen: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the trade speculation, it’s essential to understand why Mikko Rantanen is such a highly coveted player in the NHL. The Finnish winger has been one of the most consistent and dominant forwards in the league since his breakout season with the Colorado Avalanche in 2017. Known for his size, vision, and exceptional playmaking ability, Rantanen has become one of the league’s top offensive talents.

At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Rantanen has the size and strength to dominate along the boards, while his high hockey IQ and skill set make him a constant threat on the ice. His chemistry with his Avalanche teammates, particularly with Nathan MacKinnon, has been a hallmark of Colorado’s offense for several years, making the duo one of the most potent in the league.

Rantanen’s production speaks for itself. He has consistently posted impressive point totals year after year, regularly contributing both goals and assists. In the 2023-2024 season, Rantanen finished with over 85 points, solidifying his place among the NHL’s elite forwards. With a resume that includes multiple 50+ point seasons, an All-Star selection, and a Stanley Cup championship in 2022, Rantanen’s credentials as a top-tier player are unquestionable.

For the Oilers, a player of Rantanen’s caliber could be the missing piece they need to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup. As a team that boasts offensive juggernauts like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Rantanen’s addition would only further deepen an already lethal forward group. But, as with any major trade speculation, the question remains: Is there any real truth behind the rumors?

The Rumors: How Credible Are They?

The NHL world is no stranger to trade rumors and speculation. Over the years, many high-profile players have been linked to various teams, only to remain with their current organizations. However, recently, there has been mounting speculation surrounding Mikko Rantanen and the Edmonton Oilers. Several credible NHL analysts have weighed in on the topic, suggesting that a trade between the two sides could be more than just speculation.

One of the most recent analysts to weigh in on the potential trade is Frank Seravalli, a respected insider and analyst for Daily Faceoff. Seravalli, who has built a reputation for breaking trade rumors and offering insider information, has confirmed that the Oilers are indeed one of the teams that have expressed serious interest in acquiring Rantanen. Seravalli added that the Avalanche could be open to a deal if the right offer came along, especially considering the salary cap challenges many NHL teams face heading into the next few seasons.

While this information doesn’t guarantee a trade is imminent, it does add a layer of credibility to the speculation. The Oilers have made no secret of their desire to add more scoring depth, particularly on the wings, and Rantanen fits that bill perfectly. His ability to play alongside top-tier players like McDavid or Draisaitl could make the Oilers even more dangerous in their quest for a Stanley Cup. Given the Avalanche’s ongoing cap issues, they may be willing to consider a trade that would bring them much-needed roster flexibility in exchange for Rantanen’s services.

Why the Edmonton Oilers Need Mikko Rantanen

The Edmonton Oilers are an offensive powerhouse, but they have often been criticized for their lack of depth on the wings and for inconsistent defensive play. While McDavid and Draisaitl consistently perform at the highest level, the Oilers have struggled to find secondary scoring and a reliable third scoring option. Rantanen would solve both of these problems.

1. Elite Scoring Depth: The addition of Mikko Rantanen would immediately give the Oilers a bona fide top-line winger who can contribute both goals and assists. With Rantanen, McDavid would have a powerful and skilled partner who can create offense at an elite level. A line featuring McDavid, Rantanen, and Draisaitl would give the Oilers three of the most dynamic offensive players in the NHL, making them a nightmare for opposing defenses.
2. Versatility: Rantanen has shown the ability to play in different roles across the lineup. While he has spent most of his career alongside MacKinnon in Colorado, Rantanen has the ability to adjust and play effectively with a variety of linemates. His versatility would give Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft the flexibility to move him around the lineup, depending on matchups and game situations.
3. Playmaking Ability: While Rantanen is known for his goal-scoring ability, he is also an excellent playmaker. His vision and passing ability allow him to create opportunities for others, and his size makes him a difficult player to defend along the boards. The Oilers’ power play, already one of the most dangerous in the league, could become even more potent with Rantanen’s addition.
4. Physicality and Size: At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Rantanen is a physically imposing player who isn’t afraid to engage in the dirty areas of the ice. His size and strength would complement the Oilers’ fast-paced style, giving them more physical presence in both the offensive and defensive zones. This added physicality could prove valuable, especially in the playoffs, where battles along the boards and in front of the net often determine the outcome of games.

What Would It Take to Acquire Mikko Rantanen?

Given Rantanen’s skill level and his importance to the Colorado Avalanche, acquiring him would not come cheap. The Oilers would likely have to part with a combination of young talent, draft picks, and possibly an established roster player to convince Colorado to part with their star forward. The Avalanche, currently facing salary cap constraints, would likely be looking for a return that helps them balance their roster while also positioning themselves for success in the future.

Some potential trade pieces that could be part of the deal include:

1. Evan Bouchard: The young, talented defenseman has shown a lot of promise for the Oilers, and his offensive capabilities could make him an attractive trade piece for the Avalanche, who need defensive depth. However, moving Bouchard would leave a significant hole on the blue line for Edmonton, so this would be a tough decision.
2. Tyson Barrie: Barrie, who has experience playing with top-tier forwards, could be another player the Oilers offer in a trade package. His offensive skills and power-play ability would be valuable to a team like Colorado, and his contract would provide salary relief for the Oilers.
3. Draft Picks and Prospects: The Oilers could also include several high draft picks or prospects in the deal, such as Dylan Holloway or Xavier Bourgault, who are among the team’s top prospects. These players represent Edmonton’s future and could help the Avalanche maintain their competitive edge in the years to come.

Ultimately, the success of any potential trade depends on the willingness of both teams to part with key assets and the salary cap flexibility that the Oilers can offer. While the trade would be costly, it would be a move that could push the Oilers from playoff contenders to legitimate Cup favorites.

Impact on Mikko Rantanen’s Career

For Rantanen, a move to Edmonton would represent a new chapter in his career. The chance to play alongside McDavid and Draisaitl would significantly increase his chances of winning a Stanley Cup, as the Oilers are already considered one of the top teams in the league. A successful stint in Edmonton could elevate Rantanen’s legacy, potentially earning him more accolades and championship glory.

Rantanen’s decision to leave Colorado, a team that has been one of the most successful in recent years, would not be taken lightly. However, the opportunity to play for a Cup contender like the Oilers, with an exciting, up-tempo style of play, could be too good to pass up.