Confirmed with Link: [COL, CAR, CHI] Rantanen-Hall to CAR, Necas-Drury-25 2nd-26 4th to COL, Chi 25 3rd to Chi (Ret 50% on Mikko)

[a mangy Meowth]

That Edmonton report just doesn't make sense. Unless they were offering him a shit ton more than even the Canes, why on earth would he sign an extension in Edmonton (not in Carolina) if outside of hockey/gf was also a big factor in his decision lol.

I think it's just click hunting from Canadian journalists

 

[Pokecheque]

Jack Han had a pretty good breakdown about why Rantanen didn’t work in Carolina and why he should fare better in Dallas. I knew Carolina was a dump-and-chase team, but I didn’t realize that Rants isn’t just not a puck retrieval-type forward, he’s actually pretty bad at it.

Still, from the sounds of it, Brind’Amour made no adjustments whatsoever to play to Rants’ strengths. Even an old-school hardass like Ken Hitchcock knew how to utilize a guy like Tarasenko properly.

 

[JoeSakic13]

Jack Han had a pretty good breakdown about why Rantanen didn’t work in Carolina and why he should fare better in Dallas. I knew Carolina was a dump-and-chase team, but I didn’t realize that Rants isn’t just not a puck retrieval-type forward, he’s actually pretty bad at it.

Still, from the sounds of it, Brind’Amour made no adjustments whatsoever to play to Rants’ strengths. Even an old-school hardass like Ken Hitchcock knew how to utilize a guy like Tarasenko properly.

Same idea broken down here

 

[GirardIsStupid]

You guys know what makes me angry now? Mikko was willing to negotiate a contract extension with Dallas and wasn't willing to do so with the team that drafted him and got him a Cup. f*** him if he's going to be that self centered.

 

[John Mandalorian]

All of the details between the 11.75 million offer in Colorado and the 12 million signing in Dallas are consequences of decisions made by Rants. So maybe at the time of each individual decision being made he was not intentionally forcing himself out, but the ultimate consequence of his own decisions is that he was forced out of Colorado. Ultimately, he chose to sign with a division rival at a number we may have met had he countered with it.

TLDR: he may not of intentionally forced himself out but the result of his own decisions is that he was forced out of CO.

We (HFAvs) have been speculating for some time that Mikko was being influenced by his agent. And lo and behold, this past weekend the TNT crew were talking about this very thing (if it had no credence, they’re not likely talking about it). One of the guys said at a point Mikko is in charge of his career and needs to have a face to face (like Marchand did with Sweeney). Anson Carter then made the point that it’s important to remember the agent works for you and not the other way around.

It’s important to remember that Mikko signing with the Avs in the low 12s only came out once he was traded. It’s entirely possible and likely that low 12s was a number they’d eventually agree to at the last hour. Before that it was all about signing in the 13s. Mikko might be lazy but he does have some pride. And only after being shuffled around like a hobo or a gypsy, did he shove his agent aside and say enough.

It’s interesting that he and his agent are trying to create a scenario that they were somehow victims by signing with a rival. You can see it now, can’t you? If Dallas wins a playoff round against Colorado, they’ll spin the narrative of good overcoming evil. But it’s a bunch of nonsense engineered to cover up the failures of his agent who was too pigheaded about his negotiation tactic which put his ego in front of his client only to have it backfire.

 

[AvsCOL]

You guys know what makes me angry now? Mikko was willing to negotiate a contract extension with Dallas and wasn't willing to do so with the team that drafted him and got him a Cup. f*** him if he's going to be that self centered.

It's going to be great when the Avs send him home round 1.

 

[Vaslof]

We (HFAvs) have been speculating for some time that Mikko was being influenced by his agent. And lo and behold, this past weekend the TNT crew were talking about this very thing (if it had no credence, they’re not likely talking about it). One of the guys said at a point Mikko is in charge of his career and needs to have a face to face (like Marchand did with Sweeney). Anson Carter then made the point that it’s important to remember the agent works for you and not the other way around.

It’s important to remember that Mikko signing with the Avs in the low 12s only came out once he was traded. It’s entirely possible and likely that low 12s was a number they’d eventually agree to at the last hour. Before that it was all about signing in the 13s. Mikko might be lazy but he does have some pride. And only after being shuffled around like a hobo or a gypsy, did he shove his agent aside and say enough.

It’s interesting that he and his agent are trying to create a scenario that they were somehow victims by signing with a rival. You can see it now, can’t you? If Dallas wins a playoff round against Colorado, they’ll spin the narrative of good overcoming evil. But it’s a bunch of nonsense engineered to cover up the failures of his agent who was too pigheaded about his negotiation tactic which put his ego in front of his client only to have it backfire.

Well the agent did his job, he got more money in Dallas than here, and was offered even more in Carolina and Edmonton. I do believe that Mikko wanted to stay here, and I wish that he did, but he could have simply set a deadline to his agent and said that you have until this day to negotiate the salary, then we decide whether to take that offer or look elsewhere. I think the best way to put it is that Mikko took it for granted that he'll retire as an Avalanche player.

 

[John Mandalorian]

Well the agent did his job, he got more money in Dallas than here, and was offered even more in Carolina and Edmonton. I do believe that Mikko wanted to stay here, and I wish that he did, but he could have simply set a deadline to his agent and said that you have until this day to negotiate the salary, then we decide whether to take that offer or look elsewhere. I think the best way to put it is that Mikko took it for granted that he'll retire as an Avalanche player.

His agent didn’t do his job if he subjected his client to the hobo/gypsy treatment only to get 250k more when his client wanted to stay in Colorado all along. It’s quite the opposite of doing his job. Words like negligence come to mind.

 

[niwotsblessing]

Given the whole shitshow that went down with Moose I'm glad CMac punted when he did. We came away with two great players in Necas and Drury, more speed, more depth, and much more Cap flexibility at a time when a couple of years makes a big difference.

CMac is a genius.

 

[Ararana]

I have no hate for Mikko, mostly because I wanted him traded for a year now and him holding out was probably the only thing that forced cMac into not giving him stupid money.

I'm just a huge believer that no team should be paying wingers more than 10 mil AAV. Success in hockey comes from center depth, defense, and at least competent goaltending. Wingers are an accessory. Let Dallas make that mistake.

Now, I wish cMac had traded him a year ago - with term left on his contract - for a long term solution at 2C. But here we are. I have to give cMac credit that he nailed the Rantanen trade given the corner he painted himself into. Necas is a perfect replacement at a dollar amount that makes since, Drury is a nice add, and the picks helped them load up at the deadline.

The Avs are screwed capwise beyond this season, but they put their best foot forward to compete for a cup this year.

 

[Grigowski]

It’s important to remember that Mikko signing with the Avs in the low 12s only came out once he was traded. It’s entirely possible and likely that low 12s was a number they’d eventually agree to at the last hour.

And again:

If CMacs offer was 11.75, and Mikko "only" wanted 12.5 or the Mac-contract, they would have met at 12, or 12.1 and call it a day, happy life.

Someone gambled (asume the agent who told him he can get Draisatil-money)) and the other side called, told them enough of this and we wont go through that shit again (like the last time) and sent his ass packing.

In the end he should be grateful that Carolina needed to save face after this fiasco and traded his ass to Dallas where he got a nice contract in a "no tax-state". The fact that he afterwards kinda took a shot at them speaks for itself. And he and his agent pissed off not only Carolina in that process.

A grown-up player should know when its time to act and take the matter in his own hand when he prefers a certain outcome.

In the end, i am happy with Necas, Drury and the picks we got that helped us booster our roster and bring in much needed pieces.

Mikko is also happy and he can enjoy his little nice contract and career with his buddies from Finland in Texas.

I still hope Mac and company show no mercy when they face him on the ice.

 

[CobraAcesS]

I have no hate for Mikko, mostly because I wanted him traded for a year now and him holding out was probably the only thing that forced cMac into not giving him stupid money.

I'm just a huge believer that no team should be paying wingers more than 10 mil AAV. Success in hockey comes from center depth, defense, and at least competent goaltending. Wingers are an accessory. Let Dallas make that mistake.

Now, I wish cMac had traded him a year ago - with term left on his contract - for a long term solution at 2C. But here we are. I have to give cMac credit that he nailed the Rantanen trade given the corner he painted himself into. Necas is a perfect replacement at a dollar amount that makes since, Drury is a nice add, and the picks helped them load up at the deadline.

The Avs are screwed capwise beyond this season, but they put their best foot forward to compete for a cup this year.

I personally think you're being a bit of a negative Nancy regarding next year, but the rest I agree with lol.

Funny that you apply logic to one scenario, and have an Armageddon attitude towards the next.

 

[EdAVSfan]

I have no hate for Mikko, mostly because I wanted him traded for a year now and him holding out was probably the only thing that forced cMac into not giving him stupid money.

I'm just a huge believer that no team should be paying wingers more than 10 mil AAV. Success in hockey comes from center depth, defense, and at least competent goaltending. Wingers are an accessory. Let Dallas make that mistake.

Now, I wish cMac had traded him a year ago - with term left on his contract - for a long term solution at 2C. But here we are. I have to give cMac credit that he nailed the Rantanen trade given the corner he painted himself into. Necas is a perfect replacement at a dollar amount that makes since, Drury is a nice add, and the picks helped them load up at the deadline.

The Avs are screwed capwise beyond this season, but they put their best foot forward to compete for a cup this year.

I know you’ve mentioned this a few times so I’m just curious.
Are you suggesting the Avs should’ve traded Rantanen away before last years playoffs?

 

[SirLoinOfCloth]

I don't hate Mikko either. Dude got his bag, but he also paid the toll that was clearly plaguing him. He was hurt, but it was his own/his agents doing. I feel for him, but he could have signed here if he had wanted. Do I think he deserves to be the highest paid player in the league? Not really, but good for him. I hate that he's with the Stars, but there's more to hate about the Stars than Mikko. Duchene and Benn are the top reasons.

Duchene deserves the hate from Avs fans for the way he forced his way out. Yes it turned the tide on this franchise completely, so I am grateful he f***ed off, but the way he went out was utter bitchery and I just hope he never wins anything. And he was my favorite Av at the time. f*** him.

 

[Ararana]

I know you’ve mentioned this a few times so I’m just curious.
Are you suggesting the Avs should’ve traded Rantanen away before last years playoffs?

Farther back than that, honestly. This one [link] always gets me fun responses but I would have traded Mikko in 2023 straight up for Dylan Larkin and used Mikko's money to extend Larkin. Boy did I recieve a rash of shit for that but to this day l believe the Avs would have had more success over the last two years with two top six centers than what they had with Mikko on wing.

I have no idea if Detroit would even entertain that trade, but Mikko was coming off a cup win with 2.5 years remaining on his contract while Larkin was a pending UFA. Detroit was scouting Colorado a ton that deadline, I imagine it would have at least been something they'd have to think about.

 

[a mangy Meowth]

Farther back than that, honestly. This one [link] always gets me fun responses but I would have traded Mikko in 2023 straight up for Dylan Larkin and used Mikko's money to extend Larkin. Boy did I recieve a rash of shit for that but to this day l believe the Avs would have had more success over the last two years with two top six centers than what they had with Mikko on wing.

I have no idea if Detroit would even entertain that trade, but Mikko was coming off a cup win with 2.5 years remaining on his contract while Larkin was a pending UFA. Detroit was scouting Colorado a ton that deadline, I imagine it would have at least been something they'd have to think about.

This man keeps a rolodex of his own shitposts lol

 

[Ararana]

This man keeps a rolodex of his own shitposts lol

In reality, HFBoards has a really good search engine now

 

[WarriorOfGandhi]

You guys know what makes me angry now?

everything

 

[shadow1]

After hearing all of the information that has leaked out recently, Mikko f'd around and found out.

Colorado made a solid offer; Mikko/Agent asked for Draisaitl money; Avs let Carolina talk to Mikko; Mikko thought it was a bluff; it wasn't.

I didn't like the trade at first, I thought the Avalanche got light value. But after seeing how Necas has performed, and how the extra ~$3M in cap space was turned into Brock Nelson, I admit I was wrong.

 

[a mangy Meowth]

In reality, HFBoards has a really good search engine now

 

[LOFIN]

I didn't like the trade at first, I thought the Avalanche got light value. But after seeing how Necas has performed, and how the extra ~$3M in cap space was turned into Brock Nelson, I admit I was wrong.

I think the value of trade was great. It remained a question mark and still does how well Necas replaces Mikko's production. So far, looks great. Remains to be seen how he fares in the playoffs.

To put a bow on this saga, I think it was really a compilation of unfortunate circumstances that lead to this. The onus is more on the Rantanen camp, especially with his agent. But I don't think they necessarely did that much wrong in thinking they had an upper hand in the negotiations. The Avs did something very bold, that doesn't usually happen. And the Avs didn't go down this path with Landeskog, they watched that thing go down to the wire. So I understand why his camp thought that the Avs were bluffing, and that they would eventually come to an agreement.

And in the end, both parties are probably fine with the end result. The Avs maybe didn't lose a ton of on-ice value, we'll see down the line but there is chance they even got better. Mikko got himself a pretty nice deal, and Dallas is a good place for him. Yeah, sucks as an Avs fan but it's probably a good fit for Mikko. The Dallas system, all the Finns in that team, the contract itself and his significant other probably will also enjoy Dallas, I think it's probably up there in terms of desirable markets in the NHL.

A fascinating side product by this saga is how it affects the Marner discourse in Leaf land.

 

[AllAboutAvs]

After hearing all of the information that has leaked out recently, Mikko f'd around and found out.

Colorado made a solid offer; Mikko/Agent asked for Draisaitl money; Avs let Carolina talk to Mikko; Mikko thought it was a bluff; it wasn't.

I didn't like the trade at first, I thought the Avalanche got light value. But after seeing how Necas has performed, and how the extra ~$3M in cap space was turned into Brock Nelson, I admit I was wrong.

Yeah Necas has returned this team to a dynamic style. He forces everybody, especially Mack, to be more mobile on the ice which creates chaos within the defenders not only on the PP but also 5v5. Nelson brings the same thing to a certain extend. The defenders need to concentrate on them so much that our Dmen can come in as trailers wide open into the slot on numerous occasions.

This team is so much fun to watch again. The PP is electric again but Mack needs to stop forcing plays that are not there. He should be told he is not allowed to attempt a backhand pass. He just can't make those unless there is nobody in sight.

 

[a mangy Meowth]

We talked a lot about the detriment to the roster that $12m to Rantanen would mean. A lot of us spoke about it being a death knell for the teams contention chances.

I stand by the thought that you cannot pay wingers at that rate and expect to field a SCF level team. For that reason alone, I really don't care that he ended up in Dallas.

 

[Grigowski]

but to this day l believe the Avs would have had more success over the last two years with two top six centers than what they had with Mikko on wing.

I think that Dallas-series last year was kinda eye-opener. We were destroyed down the middle.

And after the implosion of Mittelstadt and the ongoing contract talks with Rants CMac really started to like the option to really shake up things and do something wild. Or something no one in the league saw coming....

Sometimes you have to sacrifice one player to improve the rest of the team... And CMac decided that Rantanen is the odd man out.

Something Dubas could not in Toronto, btw..

And he found a team and GM willing to dance. And he made out like a bandit in the end.

 

[LOFIN]

We talked a lot about the detriment to the roster that $12m to Rantanen would mean. A lot of us spoke about it being a death knell for the teams contention chances.

I stand by the thought that you cannot pay wingers at that rate and expect to field a SCF level team. For that reason alone, I really don't care that he ended up in Dallas.

We'll see how it goes, but there is a very good chance that Necas will end up costing something in the same ballpark, at least over 10M. Depends on how he performs in the post season, and how smart him and his agent are.

Still, it's important that he's still cheap for next year. Next year was going to be very tough still. The cap should go up, so that helps. Obviously Makar will take a huge chunk out of that too.