History of Mikko Rantanen in Timeline

Mikko Rantanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Dallas Stars in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, he quickly transitioned to the NHL. Rantanen notably won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. He has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes. Rantanen is recognized for his offensive skills and has become a key player for his teams.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 1996: Mikko Rantanen Born

In October 1996, Mikko Rantanen, a Finnish professional ice hockey forward, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2004: Season pace

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

November 2005: Compared to Thornton Trade

The 24 January 2025 trade of Rantanen to the Hurricanes was called a blockbuster, with many commenting that the deal was a shock and the largest in-season trade since Joe Thornton was traded in November 2005 from the Boston Bruins to the San Jose Sharks.

2012: SM-liiga Debut with HC TPS

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

2013: International Tournament Selection

In 2013, Mikko Rantanen was first selected at an international tournament at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring seven points in five contests. He also led the team at the under-18 level with seven points in four games at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

October 2014: Signed Two-Year Extension with TPS

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

2014: Competed at IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2014, Mikko Rantanen competed in his first full IIHF competition at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships.

June 2015: Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche

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

July 2015: Signed Entry-Level Contract with Avalanche

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

October 2015: First Goal and Assist in AHL

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

October 2015: Made NHL Debut and Sent to AHL

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

2015: Drafted by Colorado Avalanche and NHL Debut

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

2015: World Junior Championships Selection

In 2015, Mikko Rantanen was selected for the 2015 World Junior Championships in Toronto, contributing with four goals in five games.

November 2016: First NHL Goal

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

2016: Captained Finnish Junior Team and Claimed Gold

In 2016, Mikko Rantanen captained the Finnish junior team at the World Junior Championships, helping Finland claim the gold medal.

February 2017: First NHL Hat Trick

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

2017: Breakout Year

In 2017, Mikko Rantanen had a breakout year, scoring 29 goals and 55 assists.

December 2018: Impressive Season Pace

By December 2018, Mikko 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, Mikko Rantanen and the Colorado Avalanche qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

September 2019: Signed Contract Extension with Avalanche

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

June 2022: Stanley Cup Win

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

2022: Stanley Cup Win with Avalanche

In 2022, Mikko Rantanen won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.

2022: 50-Goal Mark

In the 2022–23 season, Mikko Rantanen became the third Finn of all time to break the 50-goal mark in the NHL regular season and the third player in Colorado Avalanche club history after Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk.

2024: Contract Extension Impasse

Entering the 2024–25 season, Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche had an impasse regarding contract extensions, with Rantanen seeking $14 million annually and the Avalanche unwilling to offer more than $12.6 million.

January 2025: Traded to Carolina Hurricanes

On 24 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.

2026: Involvement in Trades

In January 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in a deal involving a 2026 fourth-round pick, which was part of a three-team deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.

2026: Conditional Draft Pick to Carolina

Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Dallas Stars, with the Stars sending a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2026 to Carolina as part of the trade.