Mikko Rantanen saga finally ends with trade to Stars, contract extension

It’s finally over.

After weeks of contract talks with different teams and trades across the country, former Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen has finally found a home.

Cover your ears, Avs Faithful. The decision is not one that many fans will enjoy.

Rantanen has agreed to an eight-year contract with the Dallas Stars, one of the Avalanche’s biggest rivals.

Mikko Rantanen to the Stars with an 8 year extension in place, sources told ESPN. In return, Canes getting two first round picks, two third round picks, and Logan Stankoven.

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 7, 2025

This will end the 24 hours of turmoil that originally saw reports of Rantanen being traded to Dallas, then was followed with more reports that he and his camp weren’t able to reach an agreement on an extension with the Stars.

After just a month of service from Rantanen, the Hurricanes are getting back some picks and Logan Stankoven for Martin Necas and Jack Drury.

This move is confusing to many fans, after it was reported that both the Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes had offered him very similar contracts earlier, but Rantanen and his camp were seeking upwards of $14 million annually.

Is sales tax the answer? This contract is worth more in the state of Texas than in Colorado because of taxes, but was that small difference worth it to go through all this trouble and now villainize himself amongst many Colorado fans?

As of Friday morning, the Avalanche are tied with the Minnesota Wild for third place in the Central Division. Dallas is well ahead in second place. If Colorado pulls ahead of Minnesota and secures third place, that would mean Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars would take on the Avs in the opening round.

Rantanen’s first game back in Denver as a member of the Stars will be Sunday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m. MT, and will be broadcast on TNT.

The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is at 1:00 p.m. MT on Friday.

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