Rantanen’s Great Uncertainty: New Team, Old Friends and a $96M Contract

Never a dull moment for Mikko Rantanen’s life lately. From being traded, to signing a massive contract, and now facing off against old friends in the playoffs, the Finnish forward has had quite the rollercoaster ride.

Four Homes in Four Months

Mikko Rantanen’s life has been a blur since last season. The Dallas Stars’ new winger has played for four teams in just four months, including a brief stint with Team Finland. Despite signing an eight-year, $96 million contract with Dallas, he still hasn’t found a permanent home in the city.

“I’ll try to figure out this summer or next season what to do next year,” Rantanen admitted, acknowledging the whirlwind of change he’s experienced.

From Colorado to the World

Rantanen’s journey started in Colorado, where he spent nine years playing alongside friend and teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The duo was inseparable, both on and off the ice. But a series of trades sent Rantanen across the country, from Raleigh to Montreal, and finally to Dallas.

“He’s got a lot on his plate,” Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer said, sympathizing with Rantanen’s inability to catch his breath.

The Dallas Dilemma

Joining the Stars has been a challenge for Rantanen. He’s had to learn new teammates, new linemates, new systems, and even a new city. Oh, and did we mention he had to prove himself without his best friend and linemate, Nathan MacKinnon?

Rantanen closed out the season with 18 points in 20 games, which wasn’t too shabby given the circumstances. However, his off-kilter performance in the playoffs has raised eyebrows.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Through the first two playoff games, Rantanen has zero points and is a minus-3. He’s looked hesitant on the power play and has been unable to generate many scoring chances. While everyone understands the difficulty of his situation, the numbers are undeniable.

Hometown Friends, Playoff Foes

Adding another layer of complexity to Rantanen’s situation is the fact that he’s facing off against his old team and friends, the Colorado Avalanche. The parity of their friendship makes their newfound rivalry almost unimaginable.

“Its different now, for sure,” Rantanen said. “Good friends off the ice, but for however (long) this series takes, we’re obviously enemies.”

Fighting against friends in the playoffs is nothing new. Last year, Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta faced his old Dallas Stars teammates and admitted to a similar disorientation.

“In the regular season when we played each other, we’d always go to dinner, all the Finns,” Kiviranta said. “But not in the playoffs. You talk before the series, but for like two weeks? No friends.”

The Pressure’s On

The Stars need Rantanen to be at his best. Injuries to top players like Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson have only amplified the pressure on the Finnish star. And despite DeBoer’s best efforts, everyone knows that Rantanen is a key player in Dallas’ championship ambitions.

Rantanen’s Response

Rantanen has handled the scrutiny off the ice with class and aplomb. But on the ice, he’s struggling to find his footing. In a game that waits for no man, Rantanen will need to find his stride quickly as the Stars look to advance in the playoffs.

“He’s got a lot on his plate.”

Rantanen’s situation is a complicated mix of uncertainty, familiarity, and pressure. But he’s a professional, and he’s determined to make his mark in Dallas. The Stanley Cup playoffs are no place for anyone less than their best self. And that’s what the Stars, and hockey fans everywhere, are waiting to see.

Hang Tough, Mikko!

We’re rooting for you, Mikko.