The Colorado Avalanche made a significant move on Friday, trading star forward Artturi Lehkonen to the Chicago Blackhawks. The trade followed failed contract negotiations between Rantanen and the Avalanche.
The Colorado Avalanche traded star forward Artturi Lehkonen to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, a move that came after contract talks between Rantanen and the team broke down. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Avalanche and Rantanen engaged in contract negotiations this past week but ultimately determined that an agreement was unlikely.
As a result, the team opted to make the blockbuster trade, with the Blackhawks absorbing half of Rantanen's salary and sending a third-round draft pick back to Colorado. LeBrun reports that Rantanen was prepared to continue negotiations throughout the season with the Avalanche, but both sides were unable to bridge the gap in their demands. Rantanen is currently in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $9.25 million. Lehkonen, on the other hand, is the highest-paid player on the Avalanche roster with a cap hit of $12.5 million for three more seasons following this year. The 28-year-old Rantanen, a Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner, had a strong season with the Avalanche, scoring 25 goals and accumulating 64 points in 49 games. The Avalanche, holding the first wild card spot in the Western Conference, will undoubtedly miss Rantanen's offensive contributions. Drafted 10th overall by Colorado in 2015, Rantanen played a crucial role in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup victory in 2022. He has amassed an impressive 287 goals and 681 points in 619 career NHL games with the Avalanche
Artturi Lehkonen Colorado Avalanche Chicago Blackhawks Contract Negotiations NHL Trade
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bedard, Blackhawks Top Avalanche 3-1Connor Bedard scored a goal and added an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 at home.
Read more »
Capitals Edge Canucks in Overtime, Blackhawks Beat Avalanche, Panthers Top UtahPierre-Luc Dubois scored late in overtime for the Washington Capitals, who rallied past the Vancouver Canucks 2-1. Connor Bedard led the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, and the Florida Panthers defeated the Utah Warriors 4-1.
Read more »
Hurricanes Acquire Rantanen, Hall in Three-Team TradeThe Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to strengthen their playoff contention by acquiring forwards Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks in a three-team trade. The Hurricanes sent forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, along with draft picks, to the Avalanche and Blackhawks to complete the deal.
Read more »
Hurricanes Acquire Hall and Rantanen in TradesThe Carolina Hurricanes have strengthened their forward core by acquiring veteran players Taylor Hall and Artturi Lehkonen from the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche, respectively. The trades involve draft picks and salary retention.
Read more »
Pelletier Powers Flames to Third Straight Win Over BlackhawksJakob Pelletier scored two goals and added an assist as the Calgary Flames defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. Mikael Backlund, Yegor Sharangovich and Jake Bean also scored for Calgary, who are on a three-game winning streak.
Read more »
Pelletier's 2 Goals Lead Flames Past BlackhawksJakob Pelletier scored two goals and added an assist, leading the Calgary Flames to a 5-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Flames completed a sweep of the season series against Chicago with a dominant performance.
Read more »