Mikko Rantanen Excels as Stars Face Former Team in Playoffs

DALLAS (AP) — Mikko Rantanen, the 28-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars, has emerged as a key player in the first round of the NHL playoffs against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. Rantanen posted his first playoff goal and two assists during Game 5 on Monday, helping the Stars clinch a 6-2 victory and a 3-2 lead in the series.

Rantanen, known for his scoring prowess and previous success with the Avalanche, joined the Stars earlier this year after a trade on January 24. The move surprised many, particularly for Rantanen, who was a franchise cornerstone in Colorado, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2022. The trade was necessary due to salary cap constraints faced by the Avalanche.

The Stars solidified Rantanen’s position with an eight-year contract worth an average of $12 million, making him the highest-paid player on the team. This deal came at a cost, as the Stars gave up two first-round picks, two third-round picks, and top prospect Logan Stankoven. The complexity of the trade highlighted Rantanen’s value as a player.

Now, as he competes against his former teammates, Rantanen faces unique emotional challenges. Fans in Denver, where he is still fondly remembered, boo him each time he touches the puck at Ball Arena.

“It can take a minute to adjust,” said teammate Roope Hintz, who noted the difficulty of transitioning to a new team while playing against familiar opponents. “Everyone has to adapt, and it’s part of the growing process.”

In Game 5, Rantanen’s performance generated relief and excitement among his team. Stars coach Pete DeBoer praised him, saying, “You could tell by our group’s reaction how happy our guys were for him.”

Rantanen’s history of playoff success includes impressive stats: 105 points in 86 playoff games, averaging 1.22 points per game—ranking him 10th all-time in NHL history. DeBoer also commented on Rantanen’s professionalism and how he has prioritized the team’s success over individual accolades, even while grappling with a slow start in the series.

As the Stars prepare for Game 6 in Denver, Rantanen embraces the challenge of facing his friends and former teammates, stating, “Good friends off the ice, but for this series, we’re obviously enemies.”

Looking ahead, DeBoer emphasized the complexities of Rantanen’s transition, acknowledging that adjusting to a new team after nearly a decade with the Avalanche poses significant challenges.

“No one should be surprised that this hasn’t come easily,” DeBoer remarked. “It’s not an easy transition.”

Rantanen appears determined to push through the difficulties and contribute to the Stars’ success as they aim to eliminate the Avalanche.