NHL Rumor Roundup: Updates On Mikko Rantanen, Ivan Provorov And Rasmus Ristolainen

Contract talks between the Colorado Avalanche and right winger Mikko Rantanen have stalled, prompting Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman to suggest they set a deadline to spur action on the matter.

The 28-year-old Rantanen is eligible for UFA status on July 1. He's in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million.

It's believed the Rantanen camp seeks something comparable to the $14 million average annual value that the Edmonton Oilers will pay Leon Draisaitl starting on July 1. The Avalanche prefer he accepts something closer to teammate Nathan MacKinnon's $12.6 million.

Friedman wondered if the Avalanche would consider the March 7 NHL trade deadline as the cut-off date or if they'll take their chances if he's unsigned beyond then. However, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli recently reported the Avalanche aren't shopping Rantanen as the two sides intend to revisit contract talks following next month's 4 Nations Face-Off. The Hockey News' Adam Proteau, meanwhile, believes they would have traded Rantanen by now if they were really at odds with each other.

Related: What If The Maple Leafs And Avalanche Swapped Their NHL Superstar Pending UFAs?

Turning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported last month that Ivan Provorov could be open to signing a contract extension. The 28-year-old defenseman is in the final season of a six-year deal with an average annual value of $6.75 million.

In his recent column for The Athletic, LeBrun wrote there's mutual interest between Provorov and Blue Jackets management in an extension. He could seek the maximum eight-year deal, but the Jackets might prefer something shorter, given the promising talent within their prospect pipeline.

LeBrun believes the Blue Jackets could peddle Provorov if he's unsigned by the trade deadline. However, they're jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Given everything the underdog Jackets have been through since last year, they could retain Provorov to improve their chances of clinching a playoff berth.

Related: The NHL Education Of Adam Fantilli

Speaking of defensemen, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers remains a player of interest in the trade market.

The 30-year-old Ristolainen has two years remaining on his contract with a $5.1-million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. He'd draw interest from clubs seeking defensemen with term remaining on their deals.

The Hockey News' Siobhan Nolan reports Flyers GM Daniel Briere said he's not shopping Ristolainen. Teams have called, but Briere cited the blueliner's improvement and his value to the club's defense corps.

That doesn't mean Briere wouldn't trade Ristolainen, but it would take a significant offer to tempt him, like a first-line center.

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