(Hear me out) am I the only one disappointed with Rantanen? PART 2

I posted the below after the Canes trade, and generally it was disagreed with / downvoted. Now that 96 has chosen to sign long-term with a divisional opponent of Avs I'd just like to say 'I told you he cares more about the $$$' and wonder if the average fan sentiment has changed. Everything I said in pt1 is still true. Consider that, after trade to Canes, he could've had his agent reach out to Avs management to say 'we'll sign back with you as UFA' if he really wanted. I dont know if many will boo him, but he earned it. (Below is copied from pt1)

Let me start by saying I don't think the end of the story takes anything away from what Mikko did for the Avs over nearly a decade. A great player, and fun to watch (except the occasional dive...) The memory of a cup win will always be great! Also, we're adults here and we're allowed to disagree. I assume the following is a vast minority thought, but am curious if others feel simiilar.

Regarding how this played out, it's weird to me that fans seem more frustrated with Avs' management than Rantanen. I think it's awesome to hear players are willing to take 'hometown discounts' as they want to help their teams. It's a selfless move by people who realize their career is a team sport where resources are finite. I'm never going to have a chance to make $14M so obviously I don't know what it feels like, but it's pretty clear 96 was more interested in personal financial gain rather than the good of the team. (also this seems like 'shades of grey' where EVERYONE could take less, so I'm not sure what the 'appropriate' amount is) Not to get political, but it's also interesting how generally our society doesn't love 'rich' people - unless they're athletes/celebrities. You're telling me Rantanen's quality of life would really suffer had he continued to earn ~$10M annually?! The man has earned > $58M over his career SO FAR!

So am I really the only one who feel like Rantanen's actions really hurt the Avs? Seems like everyone here still loves him. I feel like this is similar to Duchene's end; he hurt the team by forcing their hand (Avs eventually came out ahead after that trade, but that doesn't change Duchene's selfishness). Seemed Avs fans had no love for Duchene after he wanted out, why is Rantanen different?

Posted Mar 8, 2025, 12:41 PM UTC

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