In 2017-18 and 2018-19, Rantanen scored 84 and 87 Points respectively, and was an All-Star in 2018-19. Rantanen's skills continued to develop, and for the rest of his run in Colorado, he was a point-per-game player. In 2020-21, Rantanen became a Second Team All-Star and led the NHL in Plus/Minus (+30). He had arrived!
In 2021-22, Rantanen had 92 Points and was vital in the Avalanche's run to their third Stanley Cup. The Avs did not win another Cup while Rantanen played there, but he had over 100 Points in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and cemented himself as one of the top Right Wings in hockey. Those two years included his first 50-Goal year (55 in 2022-23). Rantanen was a star, but his contract would expire in 2025, and the Avalanche and Rantanen were far apart on a deal. This led to a shock trade to the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2024-25 Season (Carolina would trade Rantanen to Dallas when it became clear that he had no interest in signing long-term with the Hurricanes). It ended a spectacular run, where Rantanen scored 681 Points in 619 Games.
8. Mikko Rantanen
Drafted 10th overall in 2015, Mikko Rantanen came with high expectations after a tremendous junior career in Finland. Rantanen didn’t play much with the big club as a rookie, as he played mostly in the AHL, where he was the co-winner of the Rookie of the Year. Rantanen would win a permanent roster spot the following year and score 38 Points, but afterward, he would begin his ascent to greatness.
The Bullet Points
- Position: Right Wing
- Acquired: Selected in the 1st Round, 10th Overall in the Amateur Draft 6/26/15.
- Departed: Traded to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a three-team trade. The Chicago Blackhawks sent Taylor Hall and Nils Juntorp to Carolina. Carolina sent Jack Drury, Martin Necas, a 2025 2nd Round Pick, and a 2026 4th Round Pick to Colorado. Carolina sent a 2025 3rd Round Pick to Chicago 1/24/25.
- Games Played: 619
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Notable Statistics: 287 Goals
394 Assists
681 Points
376 PIM
1.10 PPG
+90 Plus/Minus
333 Blocked Shots
390 Hits
374 Takeaways
315 Giveaways
77.9 Point Shares
81 Playoff Games
34 Goals
67 Assists
101 Points
28 PIM
1.25 PPG
+20 Plus/Minus
44 Blocked Shots
122 Hits
69 Takeaways
48 Giveaways
-
Major Accolades and Awards: Stanley Cup Champion (2022)
Second Team All-Star (2021)
All-Star (2019 & 2023)
Highest Plus/Minus (2020-21) -
Notable Top Ten Finishes: Top Ten Hart Trophy Finishes:
10th in 2021 & 6th in 2023
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