First-round draft picks are an opportunity for teams to transform their organization, especially when generational talents are on the line. Some players achieve or even surpass their potential while others never pan out. Between 2014 and 2018, the Colorado Avalanche have taken five players in the first round, and, of these, four are current NHL
Mikko Rantanen
As you surely know by now, the NHL has suspended the 2019-20 season amid the coronavirus outbreak. This decision, of course, reflects the best interests of players, team staff, fans, and everyone engaged with the hockey community. However, from a hockey standpoint, the paused season benefits some teams more than others. The Philadelphia Flyers, for
DENVER — Mikko Rantanen had two goals and Pavel Francouz made 32 saves to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. Colorado Avalanche left wing Mikko Rantanen (AP Photo/Craig Lassig, File) Francouz, the 29-year-old first-year player, did most of his work after the first period, stopping 27
In today’s NHL rumor rundown, why did Marc-Andre Fleury leave the Vegas Golden Knights so suddenly? We have the details. There is news on whether or not Mikko Rantanen is ready to return, and are the Boston Bruins ready to sign two forwards? And, with only three days left, is there any chance Jesse Puljujarvi
The Colorado Avalanche faced adversity early in the season and yet found ways to overcome. Despite losing a rotating host of starting players, the team fought to stay near the top of the standings, earning key wins to keep their season – and their playoff hopes – alive. Forwards – The Line Combo Carousel The
Penguins not looking for a Crosby replacement TSN: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby will be out for at least six weeks as he’ll be undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury. Darren Dreger notes that Penguins GM Jim Rutherford is adamant that they won’t be shopping for a replacement. The Maple Leafs aren’t close
Not long after the St. Louis Blues raised their Stanley Cup banner and the Colorado Avalanche got rolling on a season of high expectations each team has a significant obstacle to overcome. The Blues will be without sniper Vladimir Tarasenko for five months, basically the rest of the regular season. The Avalanche — already missing
WASHINGTON — Nazem Kadri and Mikko Rantanen each had a goal and two assists to help the Colorado Avalanche beat the Washington Capitals 6-3 on Monday night. Erik Johnson, Nikita Zadorov and Matt Nieto also scored as Colorado improved to 5-0-0. Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-net goal and had an assist for the Avalanche, who
Extension talks to start for some pending restricted free agents Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: From understanding, the New York Islanders and the agent for Mathew Barzal, J.P. Barry, have already established that they’d like to have contract extension talks this fall. Barzal’s numbers so far have him between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. That
The Avs and Rantanen closing the gap on a new deal Chris Johnston: Colorado Avalanche restricted free agent forward Mikko Rantanen is not skating with SC Bern anymore and is going back to Helskinki. It is believed that they are making progress on a contract. Pierre LeBrun: There is still some work to be done
Notes on the Maple Leafs, Flames, Jets, Avalanche, Capitals, Canucks and Canadiens James (@Account4hockey): Elliotte Friedman on WGR 550 yesterday. Friedman thinks that the Toronto Maple Leafs had decided already who their next captain would be before the Auston Matthews news was made public – John Tavares. There were some within the organization that wanted
On Connor, Hall and Byfuglien Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Kyle Connor‘s agent Rich Evans on Monday on the report that they were close to having a deal done. “That’s just not true,” Evans said. The New Jersey Devils and Taylor Hall‘s camp have had preliminary talks. Now, if a deal can’t be reached …
Faulk on the move? Chip Alexander: Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said that Justin Faulk is healthy but was told to keep him off the ice today. Cory Lavalette: There is no trade yet, but a Faulk trade is likely imminent. It is quiet on where he could be going. Puljujarvi being scouted Aivis Kalnins:
Oilers need to fill some holes Jim Matheson: The Edmonton Oilers are still looking to find a left winger to play with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal, a third line center and a right-handed defenseman to play with defenseman Oskar Klefbom. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers still have some questions on their
Ryan S. Clarke of The Athletic: Pierre LeBrun reported that the Colorado Avalanche made a long-term offer to restricted free agent forward Mikko Rantanen. Have learned that the Avalanche are looking to sign Rantanen to a six to eight-year deal with an AAV around $8.4 to $8.75 million. Rantanen’s camp may be looking for $9.5
Canucks were looking at Lucic Luke Fox: Agent Gerry Johansson said on Sportsnet 650 that there had been a chance this past offseason that Milan Lucic could have landed with the Vancouver Canucks. There had been talks with the team and Lucic was into the idea. More Russian free agents may look at the NHL
Laine and Rantanen “not close” to getting new deals Rick Dhaliwal: The agent for restricted free agents Patrik Laine and Mikko Rantanen, Mike Luit, on Sportsnet 650: “We are not close.” Rick Dhaliwal: Luit on the effects for Mitch Marner‘s contract on Laine and Rantanen: “Is there a comparable, yes I think Mitch Marner and
Is it too soon to discuss the Colorado Avalanche’s loss to the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Probably. But with preseason games already running through their paces, it’s the perfect opportunity to assess what changes could help the Avalanche go deeper into the playoffs this season and whether