Insider Predicts Surprising Landing Spot For Mikko Rantanen This Summer
Speaking on the Cam & Strick Podcast, Strickland stated, “You want to know where Mikko Rantanen is going to end up? Edmonton. He’s going to Edmonton. They’re going to be able to pay him.”
Rantanen, 28, was recently traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and is set to hit the open market after completing his six-year, $9.25 million AAV contract.
Strickland acknowledged the Oilers’ salary cap challenges but dismissed concerns, noting that Rantanen shares an agent with Leon Draisaitl and that there is “some belief that they can make that happen.”
First point as a member of the @Canes for Mikko Rantanen! 🍎 pic.twitter.com/N3xRtcmfWF
— NHL (@NHL) January 29, 2025
Edmonton’s cap situation presents a huge hurdle. If the salary cap rises to $92.4 million as projected, the Oilers will have just over $15 million in space with 15 players under contract.
However, Evan Bouchard—coming off an 82-point season—is due for a major raise, which could cost $9–10 million annually, leaving little room for Rantanen.
The Oilers may need to clear contracts like Viktor Arvidsson, Adam Henrique, and Brett Kulak or even consider a buyout of Evander Kane to create the necessary space.
Edmonton also has to factor in Connor McDavid’s next contract, which is expected to make him the highest-paid player in the NHL when it begins in 2026-27.
Mikko Rantanen was shocked when he got the news that he had been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 28, 2025
Could the Colorado Avalanche have done more to keep Rantanen in burgundy and blue? @KathrynTappen | @jasondemers5 | @LindsayBHockey | #GoAvsGo | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/whoiYwRDUM
Strickland pushed back against reports that Rantanen is seeking $14 million, revealing that Colorado initially offered $11.25 million before increasing it to $11.6 million, matching Artemi Panarin’s deal.
He suggested that Rantanen’s value could surpass that of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, making him one of the most coveted free agents.
Signing with Edmonton remains a long shot given their current financial outlook, but top teams have found creative ways to add star players in the past. Strickland insists this is more than just speculation, saying, “This is not just speculation, it’s informed speculation.”
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
