Mikko Rantanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who currently plays forward for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut the same year. A key player for the Avalanche, Rantanen achieved a significant career milestone by winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2022. Before joining the Hurricanes, his professional career began with TPS in the Finnish Liiga.
Mikko Rantanen was born in October 1996.
Rantanen's scoring pace in 2018 was compared to the highest scoring players since the 2004-05 NHL lockout.
Rantanen made his professional debut with HC TPS in the Finnish SM-liiga in 2012.
Rantanen made his international junior debut at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Rantanen signed a two-year extension with TPS in October 2014 and had a career-high season, serving as an alternate captain and winning the championship with the junior club.
Rantanen competed in the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Rantanen was drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in June 2015.
Rantanen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche in July 2015.
Rantanen had a successful start in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage in October 2015, including his first goal and assist. He earned AHL All-Star honors and shared the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as rookie of the year.
Rantanen made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in October 2015 but was later assigned to the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL.
Rantanen played for Finland in the 2015 World Junior Championships.
In 2015, Rantanen was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche and made his NHL debut.
Rantanen scored his first NHL goal in November 2016 against the Winnipeg Jets.
Rantanen captained Finland to a gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships.
Rantanen recorded his first NHL hat-trick in February 2017 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Rantanen had a breakout year in the 2017-2018 season with 84 points in 81 games.
By December 2018, Rantanen had 50 points and was on pace for a high-scoring season. He finished with a career-high 87 points.
Rantanen and the Avalanche qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Rantanen signed a six-year, $55.5 million contract extension with the Avalanche in September 2019.
Rantanen won his first Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in June 2022.
In the 2022-2023 season, Rantanen became the third Finn to score 50 goals in an NHL regular season.
Rantanen won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.