FRISCO, Texas – Mikko Rantanen, after a brief stint with the Carolina Hurricanes, is preparing to face his former team for the first time since his trade to the Dallas Stars. Rantanen, who played only 13 games with the Hurricanes last season, was traded twice in six weeks, including a period in which he represented Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Stars and Hurricanes game will take place on Tuesday night.
After playing his first nine and a half seasons in the NHL with Colorado, Rantanen was traded to the Hurricanes on January 24. However, he only played six home games before being traded again at the NHL trade deadline on March 7, this time to Dallas, where he also agreed to an eight-year, $96 million contract extension with the Stars. His fourth game with the Stars, even before playing at home in Dallas, was against Colorado. These teams later met in a first-round playoff series, where Rantanen scored a hat-trick in a four-point third period in the decisive Game 7.It was a difficult moment for me because I was surprised by the transfer and then we traveled a lot. I didn’t spend much time there and, obviously, we were away for the 4 Nations. I think the timing was something that didn’t work out well for me or anyone.
Mikko Rantanen
This season, Rantanen has accumulated 57 points (16 goals and 41 assists) in 41 games with Dallas, which, despite a five-game losing streak, remains in second place in the Western Conference with 58 points. The Stars are only behind the Avalanche, NHL leaders, with 69 points.Obviously, I was in Colorado much longer, but it’s always strange to play against a former team or teammates you used to play with. I’d say yes, the first one is always strange.
Mikko Rantanen
Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach, remembers how “shocking” it was to see Rantanen traded twice. The coach and the forward are now together in Dallas. He’s come out of that shadow a bit (in Colorado) and has a more important role, so I’m sure he’s embraced it. It’s our style. He’s relied upon a lot here, without being in anyone’s shadow, for sure.I feel normal, back to my normal self, settled in a place where I know I’m going to be. I really love being here, I love being on the ice and I love the organization, the teammates, the fans and everything. Usually, when you are settled in life and don’t have to think so much about other things, that’s when you play better. That’s where I am, I’m settled and secure.
Mikko Rantanen
