NHL Mock Trade: Canucks seal blockbuster Mikko Rantanen move for $92,800,000 superstar and more

Mikko Rantanen is one of the most underrated superstars in the National Hockey League. The 28-year-old has had a fantastic season already, racking up 60 points (25 goals, 35 assists) in just 44 games which has him third in league scoring. The Finnish winger is doing this while in the final season of a six-year, $55,000,000 contract signed back in 2019.

It's rare to see pending UFAs of Rantanen's caliber come this close to hitting the free-agent market. This has led to rumors and speculation about his future in Colorado. With superstar teammates Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million) and Cale Makar ($9 million) making big-time money, it will be difficult for the Avs to afford him with the current cap crunch they face.

A recent report from Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports suggested that the Avalanche will attempt to trade Mikko Rantanen if they're unable to agree on an extension.

If GM Chris MacFarland concludes that he can't pay the price, it would make sense to test the trade waters to ensure that the superstar winger doesn't walk away for nothing.

The Vancouver Canucks have been reeling amid reports of a rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. It appears one or even both of them could be on their way out of Vancouver at some point.

Could the Colorado Avalanche have interest in a blockbuster package from the Canucks centered around their $92,800,000 star? Let's take a look at what it would take for the two teams to make a deal.

Mock Trade involving Mikko Rantanen and Elias Pettersson

Here is a blockbuster swap Colorado and Vancouver could consider.

Colorado receives: Elias Pettersson, Nils Hoglander, future mid-round draft pick (4th round)

Vancouver receives: Mikko Rantanen (Extension included)

For Vancouver, it's obvious some big changes are on the horizon. Pettersson and Miller's relationship could have a big part in that.

While Pettersson is much younger than Miller, in order to acquire a superstar like Rantanen, you have to pay up. At 28 years old, he's right in the prime of his career, being on pace for his third consecutive season with over 100 points.

On the other side of the spectrum, Colorado would undoubtedly want to keep Rantanen around. His chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon is borderline unstoppable. But the NHL is a business, and it just might not be possible for the Avs to pay another player over $12 million, especially with Cale Makar eligible for an extension in two years.

For having to part with a top-10 player in the sport, this would be a pretty strong return for the Avalanche. The key part of the package is 26-year-old Elias Pettersson, who reached the 100-point mark himself in 2022-23. While he's not quite at Rantanen's level, he has the potential to get there. Pairing the Swede with players the caliber of MacKinnon and Makar could unleash that potential.

Colorado would also acquire a depth piece in 24-year-old Nils Hoglander. For a top-heavy team, bringing in a young and affordable forward who scored 24 goals in 2023-24 would be a great addition. Hoglander's ice time has been minimal this season with just 11:34 minutes per game. He could use a change of scenery. The Avs also acquire a future middle-round draft pick to further sweeten the deal.

Avalanche fans will hate the thought of losing Mikko Rantanen. But if we get to that point, calling up the Canucks could provide a very enticing package in return.