New York Rangers Daily: Mikko Rantanen’s next contract breakdown; the cost of Epic 4 Nations

As the NHL season moves forward, New York Rangers fans and analysts alike are closely watching the development of multiple storylines across the league. From potential trades and player performances to future contract negotiations, there’s no shortage of drama and intrigue. In today’s “New York Rangers Daily,” we take a deep dive into two crucial topics: Mikko Rantanen’s upcoming contract negotiations and the financial ramifications of the 4 Nations tournament, which included some unforgettable moments for the Rangers and other participating teams.

Mikko Rantanen’s Next Contract Breakdown

Mikko Rantanen, the talented forward for the Colorado Avalanche, is poised to become one of the most talked-about players in the NHL as he approaches the final years of his contract. Rantanen, who has been one of the best and most consistent wingers in the league, has an expiring deal that is set to expire after the 2024-2025 season. As such, both his current team, the Colorado Avalanche, and other potential suitors—including the New York Rangers—are closely monitoring his situation.

Rantanen’s impact on the ice cannot be overstated. The Finnish forward has been the heart and soul of the Avalanche’s offense, consistently producing at a point-per-game level and serving as a reliable and dynamic presence on both special teams and even-strength situations. Known for his elite puck-handling skills, vision, and powerful shot, Rantanen is a key reason why Colorado has been able to contend for the Stanley Cup in recent seasons.

As he enters the final year of his current contract, which has an average annual value (AAV) of $9.25 million, Rantanen is set to command a significant raise. His next contract will likely place him among the top-paid forwards in the league. The question now is how much will it take for the Avalanche to retain his services, and what are the potential options for other teams, including the Rangers?

What Rantanen’s Next Contract Could Look Like

Mikko Rantanen’s current deal, signed in 2019, has him earning $9.25 million per season. Considering his continued improvement and his standing as one of the league’s premier forwards, it’s widely expected that his next contract will be a substantial upgrade over that figure. Some projections suggest that his next deal could place him among the top ten highest-paid players in the NHL, potentially earning between $11 million and $12 million per year.

To break it down further, let’s examine the key factors that will determine Rantanen’s next contract:

1. Point Production and Consistency: Rantanen has been a point-per-game player for most of his career, and he’s shown little sign of slowing down. He consistently ranks among the top point producers in the league, contributing to both goals and assists. His ability to consistently put up 70-80 points per season, including many clutch goals and assists, makes him a sought-after player. If he continues his high-level performance throughout the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, he could be in line for a deal that rewards him for his offensive contributions.
2. Age and Durability: Rantanen is still in his prime, currently 27 years old, and has proven to be a durable player over his career. While he has had a few injury setbacks, they have been relatively minor and haven’t impacted his long-term value. His age suggests that he could remain a top player for several more years, and his durability is a key factor in his favor when negotiating his next contract.
3. Salary Cap Environment: The NHL’s salary cap is an important consideration when it comes to high-profile contracts like Rantanen’s. With the cap expected to rise in the coming years, teams will have more flexibility to offer lucrative contracts. Rantanen, who has earned $9.25 million annually, could be positioned to sign a contract that approaches or even exceeds $11 million per year if the Avalanche or any other team (such as the Rangers) is willing to pay a premium for his services.
4. Comparable Contracts: When determining a player’s contract value, the NHL’s recent contracts for star players are also a useful guide. The contracts signed by players such as Artemi Panarin, who makes $11.642 million annually with the Rangers, or Auston Matthews, who recently inked a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs that pays him $13.25 million annually, set a precedent for high-end wingers in today’s market. Rantanen’s production level and ability to contribute on both sides of the ice make him a player who could command a similar salary to Panarin’s, possibly even surpassing it depending on his performance in the coming months.

Will the Rangers Make a Play for Rantanen?

As the Rangers continue to bolster their roster with high-end talent, Mikko Rantanen could be a potential target should he become available. The Rangers have long been linked to players of Rantanen’s caliber, especially given their ongoing quest to build a Stanley Cup contender around their young core of players such as Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin. The Rangers could have the cap space and the desire to add another elite forward to their ranks, and Rantanen would fit that bill perfectly.

However, the biggest question will be whether the Rangers can make room for a player with such a significant contract. While the Rangers have some cap flexibility in the coming seasons, particularly with a few contracts coming off the books, the team will need to carefully manage its financial commitments. Still, with Rantanen being one of the best players in the league and capable of instantly elevating the team’s offensive attack, he could be worth the investment if the Rangers can make the numbers work.

The Rangers’ front office will also have to weigh the long-term ramifications of such a deal. While adding Rantanen would be a huge boost to the roster, the team also has other potential contract negotiations in the near future, including with key players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Any move for Rantanen would likely require the team to make additional moves, such as trading players with high salaries or letting some of their current stars walk in free agency.

Overall, while there is no guarantee that Mikko Rantanen will become a Ranger, his potential availability should be a situation that the team closely monitors as the season progresses. If the Rangers can find a way to make the cap situation work, acquiring Rantanen would be a monumental move toward solidifying their offensive core.

The Cost of the Epic 4 Nations

Another major storyline surrounding the Rangers this week is the financial impact of the 4 Nations tournament. The event, which featured some of the world’s best young players, had significant ramifications for the participating teams, including the Rangers, as the cost of participating in such an event extends beyond just the games on the ice.

The 4 Nations tournament, which included teams from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, provided a valuable opportunity for teams to showcase their emerging talent and evaluate prospects who could eventually make their mark in the NHL. However, for NHL teams, especially those with high-profile players involved in the tournament, there are significant logistical and financial costs associated with the event.

Impact on Team Resources

For the Rangers, the cost of participating in the 4 Nations tournament was felt not only in terms of financial expenses but also in the resources needed to manage player availability and travel schedules. The Rangers had several top prospects taking part in the event, including a few players who have been highly touted for their potential to join the team in the near future. Sending these players to the 4 Nations tournament requires a great deal of coordination, from ensuring travel arrangements are in place to managing the development of players in a high-pressure tournament format.

Additionally, the Rangers’ coaching staff and scouts were in attendance to observe the games, further adding to the logistical requirements. Sending coaches and scouts to evaluate talent in person is a significant investment in terms of both time and money. This expense is part of the broader effort to strengthen the team’s future, but it can be substantial, especially when multiple team members are involved in the tournament.

Potential Benefits for the Rangers

Despite the financial cost of participating in the 4 Nations tournament, the Rangers stand to benefit from the exposure and experience gained by their players and staff. The tournament provided valuable insights into the performance of prospects, which could impact future draft decisions or trade considerations. The opportunity for these players to compete at a high level in front of NHL scouts can accelerate their development, especially when it comes to adjusting to the international style of play, which often differs from what they see in North American leagues.

Furthermore, the 4 Nations tournament provides an invaluable opportunity for future Rangers players to experience elite-level competition and showcase their skills on the global stage. With the franchise focused on building for the future, these kinds of experiences are critical to ensuring that the next generation of players is ready to contribute when called upon.

Financial Considerations

The financial cost of the 4 Nations tournament isn’t just about the expenses of sending scouts, coaches, and players. Teams must also consider the long-term impact of these types of tournaments. For example, injuries sustained during international competition, especially during high-stakes events like the 4 Nations, can have a significant impact on a team’s roster. The Rangers, with their focus on the postseason and building a championship-contending team, will be hoping that none of their key prospects are injured during this event. Any long-term injuries could negatively affect their plans.

Despite these costs, the Rangers are likely to view the 4 Nations tournament as an investment in their future. Whether it’s through player development, scouting insights, or exposure to new international talent, the Rangers will take advantage of the opportunity to improve their team’s depth.