History of Mikko Rantanen in Timeline
Mikko Rantanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, he quickly transitioned to the NHL. A significant career highlight includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, solidifying his role as a key player. Prior to joining the Hurricanes, he spent his NHL career with the Avalanche.
October 1996: Birth of Mikko Rantanen
Mikko Rantanen was born in October 1996, marking the beginning of his life and eventual career in professional ice hockey.
2004: Reference to 2004-05 NHL Lockout
The text mentions that in December 2018, Rantanen was on pace to score the most points by any player since the 2004-05 NHL lockout.
November 2005: Reference to Joe Thornton Trade
The text mentions that the Rantanen trade on January 24, 2025, was the largest in-season trade since Joe Thornton was traded in November 2005.
2012: SM-liiga Debut
In 2012, at the age of 16, Mikko Rantanen made his professional Finnish SM-liiga debut playing with HC TPS.
2013: International Tournament Selection
In 2013, Mikko Rantanen was selected for an international tournament at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, beginning his international career.
October 2014: Signs Two-Year Extension with TPS
On October 9, 2014, Mikko Rantanen signed a two-year extension with TPS of the Liiga, continuing his career with the Finnish team.
2014: IIHF World U18 Championships
In 2014, Mikko Rantanen competed in his first full IIHF competition at the IIHF World U18 Championships, furthering his international experience.
June 2015: Drafted by Colorado Avalanche
On June 26, 2015, Mikko Rantanen was drafted tenth overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2015 NHL entry draft.
July 2015: Signs with Avalanche
On July 13, 2015, Mikko Rantanen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche.
October 2015: Makes NHL Debut and Assigned to AHL
In October 2015, Mikko Rantanen made the Avalanche's opening night roster and debuted in the NHL on October 8th. He was later assigned to the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL on October 22nd.
October 2015: AHL Debut
On October 24, 2015, Mikko Rantanen made his AHL debut, contributing his first goal and assist in North America.
2015: World Junior Championships
In 2015, Mikko Rantanen participated in the World Junior Championships in Toronto, contributing four goals in five games.
2015: NHL Entry Draft and Debut
In 2015, Mikko Rantanen was drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut that same year.
November 2016: First NHL Goal
On November 11, 2016, Mikko Rantanen scored his first NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets.
2016: World Junior Championships Gold Medal
In 2016, Mikko Rantanen captained the Finnish junior team to a gold medal at the World Junior Championships, capping off his junior career with a significant achievement.
February 2017: First NHL Hat Trick
On February 8, 2017, Mikko Rantanen recorded his first NHL hat trick in a game against the Montreal Canadiens.
2017: Breakout Season
In 2017, Mikko Rantanen had a breakout year, significantly increasing his scoring output for the Colorado Avalanche.
December 2018: Impressive Scoring Pace
By December 2018, Mikko Rantanen reached 50 points and was on pace for a historic scoring season, showing his continued development and impact.
2018: Playoff Appearance
In 2018, Rantanen and the Avalanche qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs, with Rantanen contributing four assists during their run.
September 2019: Signs Contract Extension
On September 28, 2019, Mikko Rantanen signed a six-year, $55.5 million contract extension with the Avalanche, securing his future with the team.
June 2022: Stanley Cup Victory
On June 26, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche, including Mikko Rantanen, won the Stanley Cup, marking a pinnacle achievement in Rantanen's career.
2022: Stanley Cup win with Avalanche
In 2022, Rantanen won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2022: 50-Goal Season
In the 2022 season, Mikko Rantanen became the third Finn to break the 50-goal mark in an NHL regular season and the third player in Avalanche history to do so, solidifying his status as a top player.
2024: Contract Extension Impasse
Entering the 2024-25 season, contract extension negotiations between Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche hit an impasse due to salary disagreements, setting the stage for potential changes.
January 2025: Traded to Carolina Hurricanes
On January 24, 2025, Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in a significant three-team deal due to stalled contract negotiations with the Avalanche.
2026: Future Draft Pick
As part of the trade to the Hurricanes on January 24, 2025, the Avalanche received a 2026 fourth-round draft pick.
