Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen has been one of the top-scoring players in the NHL over the past several seasons. His contract is set to expire this summer, making him arguably the top pending UFA in the league. Colorado has been trying to re-sign him but to this point, obviously no deal has been reached yet.

The Edmonton Oilers are in town for a Western Conference matchup as the Colorado Avalanche continue their five-game homestand. The Oilers will play their second game of a back-to-back tonight after taking a 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Despite Blackwood's incredible play, the Avs have been scuffling in the new year. They've gone 4-2-1 in 2025, alternating wins and losses as their offence has started to dry up. Contrast that with the Oilers, who have won seven of their past eight, including two shutouts from Stuart Skinner and five four-goal nights from the offence.

While everyone is talking about Mitch Marner and John Tavares with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the other member of the “Big Three” free agents this summer is Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. Like the others listed above,

TSN analyst Martin Biron picked the field over Connor McDavid for the Hart Trophy on SC with Jay Onrait. McDavid, on course for over 120 points, could join Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Phil Esposito and Marcel Dionne with four straight 120-point seasons.

Connor McDavid will lead the Edmonton Oilers against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, Denver in back-to-back games after playing the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.

A weekly gauge of the players who are controlling substantial buzz around the league. When a player is included on this list it may not be a good thing -- it means that they are capturing a large amount of the hockey world's attention.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Avalanche -132, Oilers +112; over/under is 6.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Edmonton Oilers visit the Colorado Avalanche after Connor ... TOP PERFORMERS: Mikko Rantanen has 25 goals ...

The Avalanche lost 4-3 to the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena on Thursday. Nathan MacKinnon scored his 16th and 17th goals of the season, Logan O'Connor posted his sixth tally of the year, while Mikko Rantanen, Joel Kiviranta, Calvin de Haan, Jonathan Drouin and Devon Toews each record an assist.

The Edmonton Oilers visit the Colorado Avalanche after Connor McDavid scored two goals in the Oilers' 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Connor McDavid continues setting records and moving up scoring lists. McDavid had two goals and an assist in the Edmonton Oilers' 5-3 win against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday ...