Mikko Rantanen, one of the most prominent forwards for the Colorado Avalanche, has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s success. With his blend of size, skill, and offensive prowess, Rantanen is recognized as one of the NHL’s elite wingers. However, his path to superstardom was not without its share of hurdles. A recent interview shed light on some of the most significant moments of his career, including contract negotiations with the Avalanche, the shock of his trade to the team, and how everything unfolded at a speed that left him reeling.
The Early Years: From Finland to Colorado
Mikko Rantanen’s hockey journey began in Finland, where he played his youth hockey in the country’s top leagues. Rantanen, born in 1997 in Nousiainen, Finland, caught the eye of scouts early on. He made his professional debut in the Finnish Liiga with TPS Turku, but his real breakthrough came in 2015 when he was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, 10th overall, of the NHL Draft. It was an exciting moment for both Rantanen and the Avalanche, as they hoped he would develop into a top-tier forward capable of complementing the team’s future stars, such as Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog.
Rantanen’s transition to the NHL was smooth. After a brief stint with the San Antonio Rampage, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, Rantanen made his debut in the 2016-2017 season, instantly impressing with his poise and vision. By his second season, Rantanen had fully emerged as one of the team’s best players, showcasing a natural ability to find the back of the net and set up his teammates.
Contract Negotiations: The Turning Point
While Rantanen’s rise in the NHL was rapid, his path to securing a long-term deal with the Avalanche was anything but straightforward. Contract negotiations with the team had been a topic of much discussion for months before he signed his current extension.
Rantanen was a restricted free agent in the summer of 2019, and the Avalanche were coming off a strong playoff run, where Rantanen had played a critical role. His production, which included scoring 29 goals and adding 56 assists in 74 games during the 2018-2019 season, made him one of the most sought-after players in the league. Yet, despite his success, Rantanen’s contract talks were slow to progress.
“There was a lot of uncertainty for a while,” Rantanen confessed in a recent interview. “I knew what I wanted, and I knew what the team wanted, but it’s always tough when you’re in that situation, especially when you’ve had a good year and you want to get paid for your work. It felt like everything was stuck in a holding pattern.”
The situation dragged on throughout the summer, with Rantanen eventually becoming one of the highest-profile RFA holdouts of the offseason. Fans and analysts were growing impatient as the Avalanche appeared hesitant to meet Rantanen’s salary demands, and there was growing speculation about how the team might handle the situation. Would the Avalanche be willing to offer him a long-term deal? Or would they take the risk of him playing under a short-term deal or, in the worst-case scenario, leaving for a rival team?
Eventually, Rantanen signed a six-year, $55.5 million deal in September 2019, making him one of the highest-paid players on the team. The contract provided stability for Rantanen while also allowing the Avalanche to lock in a crucial piece of their core for the foreseeable future.
“Once it was done, it was a huge relief,” Rantanen said. “But I think it also showed me the business side of the NHL, and how much negotiation and waiting around can play a part in your future. It wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful that I was able to stay in Colorado and be part of the team.”
The Trade Shock: “Everything Happened So Quick”
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Rantanen’s career came not in his contract negotiations, but in the manner in which he was traded to the Avalanche. When the team first selected him in the draft, there was little indication that Rantanen would be a key figure in the franchise’s future. Yet, less than a year after his arrival in North America, the Avalanche made the decision to trade for the highly talented winger, throwing Rantanen into a situation he couldn’t have predicted.
“Everything happened so quick,” Rantanen said, reflecting on the moment he first learned he would be leaving Finland and joining the Avalanche. “I was pretty shocked at first. I had heard some rumors before, but nothing concrete. And then it was like, ‘Okay, you’re coming to the NHL.’”
Rantanen recalls feeling both excited and nervous. He knew the magnitude of what it meant to be drafted so highly by a team like Colorado, a franchise that was rebuilding but with strong pieces in place. He didn’t have much time to adjust or process the move.
“It was like one day, I’m playing back in Finland, and the next I’m on a plane to Colorado,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d never been to North America before, so it was all new. But as soon as I got there, I could feel the excitement of being part of a team with such a bright future.”
For many, the transition to the NHL is a significant adjustment, but for Rantanen, the talent around him in Colorado made the jump easier. The presence of elite players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog allowed Rantanen to focus on developing his game while also helping the team make an immediate impact. The Avalanche weren’t just rebuilding; they were looking to contend for the Stanley Cup, and Rantanen’s arrival was part of that larger plan.
“I came to Colorado and immediately felt at home,” he said. “Having those guys around, it just made it easier to adjust. They were so welcoming, and I think that’s why things went so smoothly for me.”
Rantanen’s Growth in Colorado
Since his arrival, Mikko Rantanen has consistently elevated his game and become one of the league’s premier players. His development has paralleled the growth of the Avalanche as a whole, and his offensive output has been a major reason why the team has remained in contention for the Stanley Cup each year. As of the 2023-2024 season, Rantanen has reached the 100-point milestone multiple times and has solidified his place among the top wingers in the NHL.
Looking back on his journey, Rantanen is grateful for how everything has unfolded, despite the rocky start. He remains committed to helping the Avalanche reach their ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup and sees his role as being crucial to the team’s success. His ability to make plays in both the offensive and defensive zones, as well as his leadership qualities, has made him a valuable asset to the franchise.
“When I first got here, I didn’t know what to expect,” Rantanen admits. “Now, I feel like I’ve grown not only as a player but as a person. I’ve learned so much from the older guys, and I’m just focused on continuing to get better and help this team win.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche
As Rantanen continues to evolve as a player, the Avalanche are looking to solidify their position as a perennial Stanley Cup contender. With Rantanen firmly entrenched in the team’s core, the team’s future looks bright. Alongside MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Cale Makar, Rantanen’s presence ensures the Avalanche will continue to be a force in the NHL for years to come.
Rantanen, for his part, is focused on staying healthy and continuing to improve. His next goal is clear: to lead the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory. The contract negotiations and trade shock are now behind him, and he has firmly established himself as a franchise player.
As the Avalanche gear up for another shot at the championship, Rantanen will undoubtedly play a key role in their pursuit. But for now, he remains thankful for the journey that brought him to Colorado and the opportunity to be part of a team with such a rich future.
“Everything happened so quickly in the beginning, but now it feels like it was meant to be,” Rantanen reflected. “I’m just glad I’m here and part of this amazing group of players.”
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