Career Timeline of Mikko Rantanen: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Mikko Rantanen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mikko Rantanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently playing forward for the Dallas Stars in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, he debuted in the NHL that same year and won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. After a short period with the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen signed an eight-year contract with Dallas in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: SM-liiga Debut

In 2012, at age 16, Mikko Rantanen made his professional Finnish SM-liiga debut playing with HC TPS.

October 2014: Two-Year Extension

On October 9, 2014, Rantanen signed a two-year extension to remain with TPS.

June 2015: Drafted by Colorado Avalanche

On June 26, 2015, Rantanen was drafted tenth overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2015 NHL entry draft.

July 2015: Signs with Avalanche

On July 13, 2015, Rantanen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche.

October 2015: First Goal and Assist in North America

On October 24, 2015, Rantanen scored his first goal and assist in North America during a 5–1 victory over the Stockton Heat.

October 2015: NHL Debut and AHL Assignment

On October 6, 2015, Rantanen made the Avalanche's opening night roster. On October 8, 2015, he made his NHL debut. On October 22, 2015, he was sent to the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

2015: NHL Debut and Draft

In 2015, Mikko Rantanen was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, 10th overall, of the NHL entry draft and he made his NHL debut that year.

2015: World Junior Championships Selection

In 2015, Rantanen earned selection to the 2015 World Junior Championships in Toronto.

November 2016: First NHL Goal

On November 11, 2016, Mikko Rantanen scored his first NHL goal in a game against the Winnipeg Jets.

2016: World Junior Championships Gold Medal

In 2016, Rantanen helped Finland claim the gold medal at the World Junior Championships.

February 2017: First NHL Hat Trick

On February 8, 2017, Mikko Rantanen recorded his first NHL hat trick in a 4–0 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

2017: Breakout Year

During the 2017–18 season, Mikko Rantanen had a breakout year, scoring 29 goals and 55 assists for 84 points in 81 games.

December 2018: Impressive Pace

By December 2018, Rantanen had earned 50 points and was on pace to score the most points by any player since the 2004–05 lockout.

2018: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2018, The Avalanche were eliminated by the Nashville Predators in six games in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

September 2019: Signs Contract Extension

On September 28, 2019, Rantanen signed a six-year, $55.5 million contract extension with the Avalanche.

June 2022: Stanley Cup victory

On June 26, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, giving Mikko Rantanen his first Stanley Cup championship.

2022: Stanley Cup Win

In 2022, Rantanen and the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup.

2022: 50-Goal Mark

In the 2022–23 season, Mikko Rantanen became the third Finn to break the 50-goal mark in the NHL regular season.

January 2025: Trade to Hurricanes

On January 24, 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.

2025: Rantanen Joins Carolina Hurricanes

In 2025, following a brief mid-season stint with the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen signed an eight-year deal with Dallas.

2026: Conditional First-Round Pick

In January 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to Dallas. The Stars trading Logan Stankoven, two conditional first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 and two third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to Carolina.

2026: Fourth-Round Pick

In January 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Jack Drury, Martin Nečas, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

2027: Third-Round Pick

In January 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to Dallas. The Stars trading Logan Stankoven, two conditional first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 and two third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to Carolina.

2028: Conditional First-Round Pick

In January 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to Dallas. The Stars trading Logan Stankoven, two conditional first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 and two third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to Carolina.