Conflicting reports of a one year, big money deal for top RFA from KHL team Ak Bars Kazan

NHL teams may not have the stones to submit an offersheet, but KHL teams have NO problem with it. Things could get interesting.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Conflicting reports of a one year, big money deal for top RFA from KHL team Ak Bars Kazan

We are officially in the dog days of the NHL offseason. It’s been over three weeks since the opening of the NHL’s free agent period and while there are still some intriguing unrestricted free agents left on the market… it’s more or less slim pickings. There are several big name unsigned restricted free agents, but because NHL general managers are so hesitant to upset the proverbial apple cart it doesn’t seem like hockey fans will see an offersheet anytime soon.

Enter: The KHL.

According to a report from Russian hockey insider Igor Eronko of Sport-Express, KHL team Ak Bars Kazan is willing to table a one year deal to restricted free agent Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. 

Check it out:



One year, four million? Rantanen is likely looking at a long-term with the Avalanche in $9+ million range… why on Earth would he sign in Kazan, Russia for less than half of that? 

Something’s not adding up…

Another Russian hockey insider, Aivis Kalnins, refuted Eronko’s account of things, reporting that Ak Bars Kazan have had no discussions with Rantanen.

Check it out:



Who to believe? 

Again, even if Eronko’s account of things is determined to be factual, it’s difficult to see Rantanen taking up such a paltry offer.

Source: Igor Eronko