Colorado Avalanche
Avalanche Offseason: Sampo Ranta Signs In Sweden
The Colorado Avalanche have been quiet to start their offseason, but it appears one of their restricted free agents has taken one thing off their plate already.
Sampo Ranta, a third round draft pick in 2018, has signed overseas in Sweden. On Thursday, MoDo Hockey announced that Ranta had signed a two-year contract with them in the Swedish Elite League.
Ranta, 22, has spent the majority of the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, picking up 43 points in 110 games. In 16 NHL games, he has failed to pick up a point with the Avalanche. His NHL stints have not lasted long, mostly due to issues in the defensive zone. He did look better in his callups this year, but failed to stay with the team.
The Avalanche can still choose to qualify Ranta and keep his rights until he’s 27 years old. It’s the wise thing to do, as they always can attempt to bring him back to North America if he really develops.
Stay tuned to CHN as news starts to trickle in this offseason.
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Sampo’s play was not impressive in the playoff series v the Firebirds. Hopefully he can find his game in Sweden then make an organizational return.
So if they qualify him and retain his rights, that means he won’t count against the cap since he’s playing overseas? I’m just trying to understand.
Yes, they can qualify him and retain his rights, but he just stays their property. No cap hit.