Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen believes he could secure a record-matching $14-million average annual value if he tests free agency next summer, TSN's Pierre LeBrun noted on "Insider Trading."
LeBrun added it's more likely Rantanen and the Avalanche come to an agreement on an extension before the player hits the open market. Rantanen said during training camp that he hopes to stay in Denver.
Edmonton Oilers dynamo Leon Draisaitl is set to be the league's highest-paid player next season at $14 million per year. Three-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews ranks second at $13.25 million annually, and Rantanen's linemate and reigning MVP Nathan MacKinnon sits third on the league's payscale at $12.6 million.
Rantanen is in the final campaign of a six-year contract that pays him $9.25 million per season. Reports surfaced earlier this month that the NHL's salary cap could skyrocket by $9 million next season, but commissioner Gary Bettman refuted the lofty projection.
Rantanen has earned a notable raise in any salary cap landscape. The 28-year-old has recorded 440 points in 354 games over the course of his current deal, and he's made the most of his platform season so far with 32 points in 23 contests.
The Avalanche drafted Rantanen 10th overall in 2015.
