Mikko Rantanen: From Being Questioned to Dominating the Playoffs
Before becoming the most dominant player of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, Mikko Rantanen didn’t exactly feel like himself. After a team change and a difficult adaptation, the Finnish player found his best form in Dallas, leading the Stars in a promising run for the championship.
This year has been a whirlwind for him, and it took him time to feel comfortable with us.
Brendan Smith, Dallas defenseman
In his previous four seasons in the NHL with the Avalanche, Rantanen ranked among the league’s best in goals and points per game. However, an unexpected mid-season team change shook him up. He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, and then, before the trade deadline, to the Dallas Stars. This last move, accompanied by an eight-year contract extension, seemed to be the turning point.
Questions about his performance and the value of his $96 million contract resonated among fans and the media. Could Rantanen maintain his elite level without his Colorado teammates? Would he live up to his reputation as a playoff hero?
When you think about his journey this year, he’s been through a lot. There’s been a lot written about him, a lot said about him. There have been many skeptics, based on the situations he’s been in and how he’s looked at different times.
Pete DeBoer, Dallas coach
His teammates observed Rantanen struggling to find his rhythm. The change of environment and adapting to a new team and style of play proved to be a challenge. However, once he felt comfortable in Dallas, his game flourished.
Rantanen scored a hat-trick in the Stars’ Game 7 victory against his former Avalanche teammates.
Since Game 5 against the Avalanche, Rantanen has accumulated 18 points in seven games, solidifying his position as one of the most outstanding players of the postseason. He led all scorers in the postseason with 19 points in 11 games. He set NHL records, participating in 13 consecutive goals for his team.
It’s just getting started. It’s heating up here.
Pete DeBoer, Stars coach
Rantanen’s arrival in Dallas represented a significant change for the team. His integration into the game and his connection with his teammates, especially with the “Finnish Mafia”, boosted their performance.
The line made up of Hintz, Rantanen and Granlund, proved to be lethal, showing exceptional chemistry.
We’re waiting for DeBoer to put the Finns together and let them deal with it. Let them be mad at each other, let them be happy with each other, let them deal with the situation. And finally Pete did it. And, as I said, Mikko looks comfortable now.
Brendan Smith, Dallas defenseman
Rantanen is now on a mission. He seeks the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, to overcome the conference finals, and to lift the Stanley Cup. In addition, he wants to prove that the Stars’ investment in him is correct and to make Colorado regret his trade.
If you want to say he’s on a mission, I can understand that. Look around. Everyone has something they want to prove to everyone and prove about themselves. Right now, [Mikko] is trying to prove that, ‘Hey, I’m worth it.’
Brendan Smith, Dallas defenseman
