Young Avalanche star has modified the black-and-white Avalanche/NHL All-Star hat that he was given while participating in the recent all-star weekend in San Jose, Calif.
Rantanen, who leads the Avs and is tied as the league’s fourth-leading scorer, enjoys the look and feel of the hat, but he had to get rid of the words “All-Star” on the back if he was going to continue to wear it.
So he took a black permanent marker to the back of the NHL Branded hat, effectively eliminating any all-star reference to the naked eye.
“I colored it in,” Rantanen said Monday after practice. “I didn’t want that on there.”
Rantanen is unlike most professional athletes — many of whom might take a highlighter to the all-star caps. The Finnish forward, 22, is modest and carries himself like a fourth-line rookie forward.
It’s why many believe Rantanen won’t demand what his next contract could be worth. A pending restricted free agent, Rantanen is expected to re-sign with the Avs after the season, but to a team-friendly deal similar to those of all-star linemates (team-high $6.3 million cap hit through 2022-23) and ($5.6 million through 2020-21).
The NHL has 24 players making $8 million annually, and Rantanen should definitely be among that group based on his production and the timing of his expiring contract. But Rantanen just wants to be considered one of the guys in the Avalanche locker room.
The NHL Branded 2019 NHL All-Star Second Season Avalanche adjustable cap, by the way, is available at Lids.com for $27.99. Permanent black markers sold separately.
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. Tuesday, ALT |
- Nuggets: At Brooklyn Nets, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NBA Pistons 129, Nuggets 103
Full story |
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Quick Hits
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+ The Dolphins are looking pretty smart these days with the hiring of Patriots assistant Brian Flores as head coach.
+Patriots get customized WWE championship belt after winning Super Bowl LIII.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
100-to-1
The initial odds are set for the field of 32 NFL teams now vying for the Super Bowl LIV championship next season. And Las Vegas sportsbooks aren’t so high on the Broncos’ chances. Read more…
Parting Shot
WATCH: Peyton Manning, Von Miller, Christian McCaffrey featured in NFL’s 100th anniversary Super Bowl commercial
Peyton Manning, Von Miller and Christian McCaffrey were among a cast of NFL stars — past and present — in the league’s 100th anniversary Super Bowl commercial. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
