Mikko Rantanen Set for Emotional Return to Colorado After Trade to Dallas
Mikko Rantanen is gearing up for a surreal experience as he returns to Colorado for the first time since being traded to the Dallas Stars via the Carolina Hurricanes. After spending nearly a decade with the Avalanche, the 28-year-old forward was unexpectedly dealt to Carolina in a midseason move before being flipped to Dallas at the trade deadline. Now set to face his former team on Sunday, Rantanen reflected on the unusual nature of the situation.
“It’s definitely going to feel strange,” Rantanen admitted. “I spent nine or ten years in one organization and really got to know the city. Then suddenly, you’re on the other side, playing from the visitors’ locker room—it’s a big adjustment. But I’m excited to see all the guys I played with over the years. It should be a fun game against some old friends.”
Rantanen’s tenure in Colorado was filled with success, as he tallied 681 points across 619 regular-season games and played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s postseason runs, including their Stanley Cup victory in 2022. While he initially landed in Carolina following the January trade, his stay was short-lived, as he was later moved to Dallas, where he signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Peter Baugh after his initial trade, Rantanen revealed he had been willing to take a significant discount to remain in Colorado and admitted he was caught off guard by the move to Carolina. Now, he’s focused on embracing his new role in Dallas while preparing for what promises to be an emotional return to Ball Arena.
"Just the fit in Dallas. I've been thinking about it a lot with my camp and myself […] just the fit everywhere, I think that's what the position was."
Mikko Rantanen on why he signed with the Stars and not the Canes. pic.twitter.com/on4H7FdDyj
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 7, 2025
With the Hurricanes facing uncertainty and Rantanen unwilling to commit to an extension before the deadline, Carolina opted to trade him to the Stars. The 27-year-old forward quickly agreed to an eight-year, $96 million contract with Dallas, carrying a $12 million annual cap hit.
When asked about his decision to join the Stars, Rantanen emphasized the overall fit. “I thought about it a lot with my camp and myself,” he said. “Ultimately, the fit in Dallas just felt right in every way, and that was the deciding factor.”
As Rantanen prepares to step onto the ice at Ball Arena in Denver as an opponent for the first time, the reaction from Avalanche fans remains uncertain. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the whirlwind nature of recent events. “It’s been a crazy experience, but I’m happy to be here in Dallas,” he said. “Colorado was always where I wanted to stay, but I understand it’s a business, and they made their decision. Now, I’m here, locked in for eight years with a great team and great coaches, and I’m grateful that Dallas put their trust in me.”
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