[sureLoss]

Athletic on Rantanen:

https://theathletic.com/1226274/2019.../?redirected=1

It is understood the Avalanche are seeking a deal from six to eight years with an average annual value (AAV) in the range of $8.4 and $8.75 million, The Athletic has learned.

As for how far apart both sides are? It is also understood if Colorado — which possesses $15.615 million in salary-cap space — was looking to offer $8.5 million and Rantanen was seeking $9.5 million, then, it would be deemed viable. But if Rantanen’s camp were seeking $9.5 million over three years, then, it would be a nonstarter for the Avalanche.

The Avalanche were open to signing Rantanen to a short-term deal in the spring prior to free agency. It is understood that a short-term deal would have allowed the Avalanche to be more opportunistic in free agency with extra cap space. Still, the club’s goal is signing Rantanen to a long-term deal because of what is on the horizon, a source has told The Athletic.