There was plenty of buzz surrounding the Colorado Avalanche following a major development. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos stirred things up with a bold claim on the Kyper and Bourne show, while Avalanche President Joe Sakic broke his silence regarding the blockbuster trade that sent star winger out of Denver. Sakic offered a candid explanation rooted in salary cap constraints, emphasizing the team’s need to retool around a deeper, more balanced roster.
In his media availability, Sakic explained that while top star was a premier offensive talent, keeping him at the price he was seeking would have hindered the Avalanche’s ability to improve the roster around their core. The decision to trade him wasn’t taken lightly, but Sakic said the team couldn’t afford to stand pat. They needed to shake things up to remain competitive—and that meant making difficult calls like this one.
While Sakic didn’t respond directly to Kypreos’ pointed remarks, the longtime analyst didn’t mince words. Kypreos claimed the trade was a misstep that should fall squarely on Sakic’s shoulders, even suggesting it had upset superstar Nathan MacKinnon. Still, Sakic acknowledged he was involved in every aspect of the discussions that led to Rantanen’s departure, standing by the organization’s vision for a more sustainable, long-term approach.
Kypreos summed up the mood around the hockey world with a question on everyone’s mind: “What the heck happened here?” As the dust settles from the Rantanen deal, fans and insiders alike are left trying to make sense of one of the most seismic moves in recent Avalanche history.
Sakic Said The Team Couldn’t Pay Three Players’ Top Salaries
“Paying three top-tier players without the depth to support them just wasn’t going to cut it,” Joe Sakic explained, offering a clear view of Colorado’s team-building philosophy. While he avoided delving into the nitty-gritty of negotiations, Sakic suggested that Rantanen and his representatives were well aware of the team’s position before the trade was finalized.
According to Nick Kypreos, Rantanen’s agent was reportedly seeking \$13 million per year—a number the Avalanche weren’t willing to meet. Instead, the front office aimed to land closer to the \$11.2 million figure that David Pastrnak secured in Boston. It remains unclear whether Sakic ultimately viewed even that amount as too steep or if Rantanen refused to come down. Either way, the two sides never seemed close to finding common ground.
Nick Kypreos contended that while Mikko Rantanen ultimately signed with the Dallas Stars—where he benefits from a more favorable tax situation—he would have gladly accepted the same \$12 million per year to stay in Colorado. Rantanen’s representatives reportedly felt the rising salary cap shifted expectations, making the Avalanche’s \$11.2 million offer insufficient. According to Kypreos, Colorado’s final proposal came in at \$11.6 million. Rantanen even stepped in personally, saying, “I am flexible, we can work this out.” But within 24 to 48 hours, the deal was off—and he was traded.
Joe Sakic and GM Chris MacFarland ultimately chose to move forward with the trade, despite knowing it would mean dismantling the close-knit trio of Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar.
Did the Avalanche Make a Huge Mistake and Is MacKinnon Upset?
By trading Rantanen, the Avalanche cleared a substantial amount of cap space, allowing the front office to reshape the roster with better depth. Still, the move could backfire. According to Kypreos, Nathan MacKinnon is “pissed,” and his post-season remarks hint that this situation may continue to unfold.
The Avalanche not only suffered a playoff exit at the hands of the Dallas Stars—where Mikko Rantanen ultimately landed after being dealt by Carolina—but they may have also sparked a personal vendetta. According to Nick Kypreos, Rantanen deliberately chose Dallas as a way to get back at Colorado. Now, Nathan MacKinnon is reportedly so upset that he may be reconsidering his future with the franchise. And if he stays, he’ll have to face his former linemate multiple times each season—and potentially in the playoffs.
Kypreos said Rantanen’s decision came down to either Toronto or Dallas, but the forward made his intentions clear: “I’m going to Dallas. Do you know why? Because I want to jam it down Colorado’s throat.” He reportedly had no plans to sign long-term with Carolina, which led to his immediate trade. While Toronto had the space and the assets, Rantanen still picked the Stars, saying he wants to “come after” the Avalanche for the next eight years.
Whether this decision ends up haunting Colorado remains to be seen. But the emotional fallout is already significant. MacKinnon’s frustration appears to run deep, and the ripple effects of this blockbuster trade could create more drama in the months—or seasons—to come.